cytolysis

noun

cy·​tol·​y·​sis sī-ˈtä-lə-səs How to pronounce cytolysis (audio)
: the usually pathologic dissolution or disintegration of cells
cytolytic
ˌsī-tə-ˈli-tik How to pronounce cytolysis (audio)
adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cytolysis was in 1896

Rhymes for cytolysis

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Browse Nearby Words

cytolysin
cytolysis
cytolytic T cell
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Cite this Entry

“Cytolysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cytolysis. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

cytolysis

noun
cy·​tol·​y·​sis sī-ˈtäl-ə-səs How to pronounce cytolysis (audio)
plural cytolyses -ˌsēz How to pronounce cytolysis (audio)
: the usually pathological dissolution or disintegration of cells
cytolytic
ˌsīt-ᵊl-ˈit-ik How to pronounce cytolysis (audio)
adjective
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