radiolysis
noun
ra·di·ol·y·sis
ˌrā-dē-ˈä-lə-səs 
: chemical decomposition by the action of radiation
Examples of radiolysis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Hydrogen can also form by radiolysis, when radiation released by old granite breaks water down into hydrogen over a long period of time.
—
Jimmy Lovrien, Twin Cities, 17 Dec. 2025
The first of method is radiolysis, which involves pre-splitting the water molecules by bombarding them with alpha, beta, and gamma particles.
—New Atlas, 14 Nov. 2025
This process, called radiolysis, releases electrons that can then power an organism’s biochemistry—that is, its metabolism.
—Emma R. Hasson, Scientific American, 17 Aug. 2025
Since liquid water likely exists underneath the surface of
Using computer simulations to calculate the energy deposition and electron production rates of radiolysis, the researchers found that metabolic activity could be sustained at certain depths of all three bodies.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 29 July 2025
This can happen as a result of a chemical reaction between water and iron-rich rocks, or by radiolysis, the splitting of water molecules by radiation into hydrogen and oxygen.
—Marta Abbà, WIRED, 20 Aug. 2024
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Jimmy Lovrien, Twin Cities, 17 Dec. 2025
The first of method is radiolysis, which involves pre-splitting the water molecules by bombarding them with alpha, beta, and gamma particles.
—New Atlas, 14 Nov. 2025
This process, called radiolysis, releases electrons that can then power an organism’s biochemistry—that is, its metabolism.
—Emma R. Hasson, Scientific American, 17 Aug. 2025
Since liquid water likely exists underneath the surface of
Using computer simulations to calculate the energy deposition and electron production rates of radiolysis, the researchers found that metabolic activity could be sustained at certain depths of all three bodies.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 29 July 2025
This can happen as a result of a chemical reaction between water and iron-rich rocks, or by radiolysis, the splitting of water molecules by radiation into hydrogen and oxygen.
—Marta Abbà, WIRED, 20 Aug. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Radiolysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radiolysis. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
radiolysis
noun
ra·di·ol·y·sis
ˌrād-ē-ˈäl-ə-səs
plural radiolyses
-ˌsēz
: chemical decomposition by the action of radiation compare photolysis
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