photolysis

noun

pho·tol·y·sis fō-ˈtä-lə-səs

: chemical decomposition by the action of radiant energy (such as light)

photolytic

ˌfō-tə-ˈli-tik

adjective

photolytically

ˌfō-tə-ˈli-ti-k(ə-)lē

adverb

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web 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

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'photolysis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of photolysis was in 1903

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Photolysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photolysis. Accessed 28 Jan. 2023.

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Medical Definition

photolysis

noun

pho·tol·y·sis fō-ˈtäl-ə-səs

plural photolyses -ˌsēz

: chemical decomposition by the action of radiant energy compare radiolysis

photolytic

ˌfōt-ᵊl-ˈit-ik

adjective

photolytically

-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb

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