litholytic
|li-tho-ly-tic|
/ˌlɪθəˈlɪtɪk/
dissolves stones
Etymology
'litholytic' originates from Greek (via New Latin), specifically the elements 'litho-' and 'lytic', where 'lith-' meant 'stone' and 'lytikos' meant 'able to loosen or dissolve'.
'litholytic' changed from New Latin 'litholyticus' and formed in modern English via medical/technical usage to become the current word 'litholytic'.
Initially it referred specifically to agents or processes that dissolve stones; this core meaning has been retained in modern medical usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
capable of dissolving or breaking up calculi (stones) in the body, especially kidney or gallstones; causing litholysis.
The drug showed litholytic activity against small cholesterol gallstones in the trial.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
relating to or used in litholysis (the medical process of dissolving stones).
Litholytic treatment approaches include oral dissolution therapy for certain types of renal calculi.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/02 20:20