What does hematolyses mean?
Hematolyses is the plural of hematolysis, the destruction or rupture of red blood cells. When this process occurs, hemoglobin is released from the cells into the bloodstream or another surrounding fluid, and the cells may be removed from circulation or broken down further. Hematolysis is an important concept in medicine because it can result from immune reactions, infections, mechanical injury, toxins, chemical exposure, or incompatibilities in blood transfusion. The plural form hematolyses is less common than the singular and is used particularly when describing multiple, separate, or widespread occurrences of red blood cell destruction. In clinical and scientific writing, the term carries a technical and potentially serious implication, since substantial hemolysis can disrupt circulation, affect kidney function, and cause other complications. The word is also useful for distinguishing the underlying cellular process from its causes or clinical consequences.
nounThe plural form of hematolysis, referring to the destruction or rupture of red blood cells, with the release of hemoglobin into the blood or surrounding fluid.
- The plural of hematolysis: the destruction or rupture of red blood cells, especially a process that releases hemoglobin into the blood or surrounding fluid.
"In severe mismatched-transfusion cases, hematolyses can occur throughout the bloodstream."
"The blood sample showed signs of intravascular hematolyses after the transfusion."
"Researchers linked the patient's severe hematolyses to an autoimmune reaction."
The standard plural of hematolysis, used for multiple or separate instances of red blood cell destruction.
"The test results indicated recurring hematolyses during the patient's treatment."
One word names the moment red blood cells break open—and its plural says it can happen many times over.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hematolyses come from?
The word was formed in medical Latin from Greek haima, meaning “blood,” and lysis, meaning “a loosening” or “dissolution.” The Greek-derived combining form hemat- appears in related English words such as hematology, hematoma, and hemoglobin. Its English medical sense developed through the use of lysis for the breakdown or dissolution of biological material.
Related word forms
How hematolyses is actually used
This is formal medical terminology. The singular hematolysis is substantially more common, while the plural hematolyses is mainly used when several distinct occurrences or widespread instances are being discussed. British medical writing may use the spelling haematolyses.
Easily confused with hematolyses
Hemolysis is the usual singular form; hematolyses is its plural, used for multiple instances or occurrences of the process.