-lysis
breakdown, destruction, separation
From Greek lysis, loosening, from lyein, to loosen
Meaning
What does -lysis mean?
-lysis is a suffix meaning breakdown, destruction, separation. It comes from Greek lysis, loosening, from lyein, to loosen.
It can also mean separating, as in dialysis, which separates wastes from the blood through a membrane.
In real words
Medical words with -lysis
the breakdown of glucose inside cells to release energy · In the dictionary
the splitting of a chemical compound by reaction with water
the breaking apart of red blood cells, which releases their hemoglobin · UK spelling: haemolysis
breaking up a blood clot, usually with clot-dissolving drugs
a treatment that filters waste and extra fluid from the blood through a membrane when the kidneys fail
the breakdown of cells or tissues by their own enzymes; self-digestion
the breakdown of stored fat into fatty acids and glycerol
dissolving of a cell's nucleus, usually as part of necrosis
Don't mix it up
Parts easily confused with -lysis
Sources
Checked against
Written for biofideX in plain words, after checking these references:
- 1.5 Common Suffixes – Medical Terminology 2e
- 1.4 – Suffix – Building a Medical Terminology Foundation 2e
- -LYSIS Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we'll correct it.
Disease and symptoms
-lysis is one of 15 parts in this lesson. Learn them together, then take real words apart.
Start the Lesson