heterolysis

noun

het·​ero·​ly·​sis ˌhe-tə-ˈrä-lə-səs  -ə-rə-ˈlī-səs 

: decomposition of a compound into two oppositely charged particles or ions

heterolytic

ˌhe-tə-rə-ˈli-tik 

adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

heterolysis

noun

het·​ero·​ly·​sis ˌhet-ə-ˈräl-ə-səs  -ə-rə-ˈlī-səs 

plural heterolyses -ˌsēz 

1

: destruction by an outside agent

specifically : solution (as of a cell) by lysins or enzymes from another source

2

: decomposition of a compound into two oppositely charged particles or ions compare homolysis

heterolytic

-lit-ik 

adjective