hemolysis
|he-mo-ly-sis|
/ˌhiːməˈlɪsɪs/
breaking down red blood cells
Etymology
'hemolysis' originates from Greek, specifically the elements 'haima' meaning 'blood' and 'lysis' meaning 'loosening' or 'dissolution'.
'hemolysis' entered scientific English via New Latin 'haemolysis' (from Greek). British spelling often appears as 'haemolysis' while American English commonly uses the simplified spelling 'hemolysis' (ae → e).
Initially it meant 'dissolution or loosening of blood' in a literal sense; over time it has come to mean specifically the destruction or rupture of red blood cells and the release of their contents.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the destruction or rupture of red blood cells (erythrocytes) with release of hemoglobin into the surrounding fluid; often used in clinical and laboratory contexts.
The patient showed laboratory evidence of hemolysis after the transfusion.
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Noun 2
destruction of red blood cells occurring in vitro (in a blood sample), which can cause discoloration of serum or plasma and interfere with laboratory tests.
Hemolysis in the sample rendered several biochemical test results unreliable.
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Last updated: 2025/10/31 04:43