'lytic' originates from New Latin/Modern Latin, specifically the word 'lyticus', where the element comes ultimately from the Greek root 'lyein' meaning 'to loosen' or 'to dissolve'.

'lytic' developed from Greek 'lytikos' (from 'lyein') into Latin 'lyticus' and was adopted into New/Modern Latin and English scientific vocabulary as 'lytic' (19th century usage in biology/medicine).

Initially it meant 'able to loosen' or 'relating to loosening/dissolving'; over time it became specialized to mean 'relating to lysis' or 'causing destruction/dissolution of cells or tissues' in biological and medical contexts.