autolyze
|au-to-lyze|
/ˈɔːtəˌlaɪz/
self-digest / self-break down
Etymology
'autolyze' originates from modern formation combining Greek elements 'auto-' and 'lysis' via scientific Latin/English usage; 'auto-' meant 'self' and 'lysis' meant 'a loosening, dissolution'.
'autolysis' entered scientific English in the 19th century from New Latin/Greek 'autolysis' (αὐτο- + λύσις), and the verb 'autolyze' was formed later in English from that noun to express the action 'to undergo autolysis'.
Initially it referred specifically to the 'self-dissolution' of biological tissues; over time it has retained that core sense and is used broadly in biology, pathology, and food science (e.g., dough autolysis).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
noun form (transformation of the base form): 'autolysis' — the process or result of autolyzing; self-digestion of cells or tissues by their own enzymes.
Autolysis of the muscle began within a few hours after death.
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Verb 1
intransitive: to undergo autolysis; to self-digest or break down by the action of an organism's own enzymes (often used of tissues or cells, especially after death or injury).
After death the tissue began to autolyze, making microscopic analysis difficult.
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Last updated: 2025/11/26 14:06