autocytolytic
|au-to-cy-to-ly-tic|
/ˌɔːtəˌsaɪtəˈlɪtɪk/
self-cell-dissolving
Etymology
'autocytolytic' originates from Neo-Latin/modern scientific coinage, combining Greek elements: 'autos' meaning 'self', 'kytos' meaning 'container, cell', and 'lytikos' (from 'lysis') meaning 'able to loosen or dissolve'.
'autocytolytic' was formed in modern scientific English by combining the prefixes 'auto-' + 'cyto-' with the adjective-forming suffix '-lytic'. It builds on earlier biomedical terms such as 'autolysis' (mid 19th century) and 'autolytic', becoming a more specialized descriptor for cell self-destruction.
Initially the root sense conveyed 'self-dissolving' in a general sense; over time the combined form came to be used specifically for the self-destruction or lysis of cells.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
causing, resulting from, or relating to the self-destruction (lysis) of a cell by its own enzymes.
After prolonged ischemia many neurons became autocytolytic and disintegrated.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/24 11:42