: of or relating to lysis or a lysin
also
: productive of or effecting lysis (as of cells)
: of, relating to, or effecting (such) decomposition
hydrolytic
Examples of lytic in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 8 Apr. 2024
The genes commandeer the host, using it to manufacture new viruses that eventually burst out of the cell – this is the lytic cycle.
—Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 5 Jan. 2011
Working together as a phage cocktail, lytic phages can target and destroy superbugs.
—B David Zarley, The Verge, 5 July 2019
Additionally, phages can cause different types of infections, typically either lytic or lysogenic.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 1 Feb. 2018
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
This is what’s called a lytic secretion system, which involves the rupture of cell walls or membranes to release toxins.
—Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 8 Apr. 2024
The genes commandeer the host, using it to manufacture new viruses that eventually burst out of the cell – this is the lytic cycle.
—Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 5 Jan. 2011
Working together as a phage cocktail, lytic phages can target and destroy superbugs.
—B David Zarley, The Verge, 5 July 2019
Additionally, phages can cause different types of infections, typically either lytic or lysogenic.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 1 Feb. 2018
Cite this Entry
“Lytic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lytic. Accessed 16 May. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
lytic
adjective
lyt·ic
ˈlit-ik 
: of or relating to lysis or a lysin
also
: productive of or effecting lysis (as of cells)
lytic viruses
lytic action on cells
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share