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
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
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
That process, water radiolysis, was first observed in Marie Curie’s laboratory at the beginning of the 20th century, when researchers realized that solutions of radium salts generated bubbles of hydrogen and oxygen.
—Quanta Magazine, 31 May 2021
Cassini's data show that molecular oxygen (O2) forms inside the moon's surface ice when water molecules (H2O) are split by energetic ions, a process known as radiolysis.
—Andrew Moseman, Discover Magazine, 29 Nov. 2010
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Emma R. Hasson, Scientific American, 17 Aug. 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
That process, water radiolysis, was first observed in Marie Curie’s laboratory at the beginning of the 20th century, when researchers realized that solutions of radium salts generated bubbles of hydrogen and oxygen.
—Quanta Magazine, 31 May 2021
Cassini's data show that molecular oxygen (O2) forms inside the moon's surface ice when water molecules (H2O) are split by energetic ions, a process known as radiolysis.
—Andrew Moseman, Discover Magazine, 29 Nov. 2010
Cite this Entry
“Radiolysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radiolysis. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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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