-lysis
(lɪsɪs)
A word-forming element [f. Gr. λύσις a loosening, parting] in many technical terms, primarily denoting decomposition, disintegration, dissolution.
1. In words in which the first element indicates the agent; e.g. (in Chem.) electrolysis (c 1840), hydrogenolysis; (in Biol.) bacteriolysis (sense 1), biolysis.
2. In words in which the first element indicates the substance or object affected; e.g. (in Chem. and Biochem.) fructolysis, glycolysis (1892); (in Biol.) bacteriolysis (sense 2), hæmolysis (cf. lysis 3). b. In a few terms in Surg. -lysis denotes surgical detachment of a part indicated by the first element, as cardiolysis.
3. In words in which the first element indicates some other characteristic; e.g. (in Biol.) autolysis, heterolysis (sense 1); (in Chem.) heterolysis (sense 2), homolysis. (catalysis (1836) was adopted directly from Gr. κατάλυσις dissolution.)