photolysis
noun
pho·tol·y·sis
fō-ˈtä-lə-səs 
: chemical decomposition by the action of radiant energy (such as light)
Examples of photolysis in a Sentence
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Flash photolysis is still used to study semiconductors, nanoparticles, and photosynthesis, among other things.
—
IEEE Spectrum, 18 Feb. 2022
But sunlight in the upper atmosphere is continuously breaking down the gas by photolysis, so some process must be slowly replacing it.
—Davide Castelvecchi, Scientific American, 16 Dec. 2010
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IEEE Spectrum, 18 Feb. 2022
But sunlight in the upper atmosphere is continuously breaking down the gas by photolysis, so some process must be slowly replacing it.
—Davide Castelvecchi, Scientific American, 16 Dec. 2010
Cite this Entry
“Photolysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photolysis. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
photolysis
noun
pho·tol·y·sis
fō-ˈtäl-ə-səs
plural photolyses
-ˌsēz
: chemical decomposition by the action of radiant energy compare radiolysis
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