autohemolysis
|au-to-hem-o-ly-sis|
🇺🇸
/ˌɔːtoʊˌhiːməˈlɪsɪs/
🇬🇧
/ˌɔːtəʊˌhiːməˈlɪsɪs/
self-destruction of blood cells
Etymology
'autohemolysis' originates from Greek elements: 'auto-' meaning 'self' and 'haima' (via 'haemolysis') meaning 'blood', combined with 'lysis' meaning 'loosening, dissolution'.
'haemolysis' comes from Greek 'haima' ('blood') + 'lysis' ('loosening/dissolution'). The compound with the prefix 'auto-' produced 'autohaemolysis' in British spelling and 'autohemolysis' in American spelling.
Initially formed to denote the splitting or dissolution of blood, the term came to specify specifically the self-caused (autogenous) destruction of red blood cells.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the destruction or dissolution (lysis) of red blood cells (erythrocytes) caused by the organism's own processes or enzymes; self-induced hemolysis occurring within the body or in a blood sample.
The laboratory noted significant autohemolysis in the sample after prolonged storage.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/25 22:28