lyophilize

1 of 2

verb

ly·​oph·​i·​lize lī-ˈä-fə-ˌlīz How to pronounce lyophilize (audio)
lyophilized; lyophilizing

transitive verb

: freeze-dry
lyophilization
lī-ˌä-fə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce lyophilize (audio)
noun
lyophilizer
lī-ˈä-fə-ˌlī-zər How to pronounce lyophilize (audio)
noun

lyophilization

2 of 2

noun

ly·​oph·​i·​li·​za·​tion (ˌ)lī-ˌä-fə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce lyophilization (audio)
-fə-ˌlī-ˈzā-
variants also British lyophilisation
plural -s
: the process of freeze-drying or the state of being freeze-dried

Word History

Etymology

Noun

International Scientific Vocabulary lyophilize + -ation

First Known Use

Verb

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lyophilize was in 1938

Rhymes for lyophilize

See All Rhymes for lyophilize

Browse Nearby Words

lyophilization
lyophilize
Lyopoma
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Medical Definition

lyophilize

transitive verb
ly·​oph·​i·​lize
variants or British lyophilise
lī-ˈäf-ə-ˌlīz How to pronounce lyophilize (audio)
lyophilized or British lyophilised; lyophilizing or British lyophilising
: freeze-dry
lyophilization noun
or British lyophilisation
-ˌäf-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce lyophilize (audio)
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