What does hemolytic mean?
Hemolytic is a technical adjective describing the destruction of red blood cells through rupture. The term is especially common in medicine and laboratory science, where it appears in expressions such as “hemolytic anemia,” “hemolytic activity,” and “hemolytic transfusion reaction.” When red blood cells are hemolytic, their membranes break and hemoglobin is released into the bloodstream. This can lead to anemia, jaundice, and other complications, depending on the underlying cause. The word also describes substances, tests, or reactions that cause this cellular destruction. Although its use is largely confined to specialist contexts, hemolytic is useful because it identifies a distinctive and potentially serious biological mechanism clearly and efficiently.
adjectiveCausing or involving the rupture and destruction of red blood cells.
- Causing or relating to the destruction of red blood cells through rupture, known as hemolysis.
"The patient was diagnosed with hemolytic anemia after blood tests showed accelerated red-cell destruction."
"The patient was diagnosed with hemolytic anemia after blood tests showed accelerated red-cell destruction."
"Researchers measured hemolytic activity in the sample to determine whether it could rupture red blood cells."
Hemolytic means “blood-cell rupture”: red blood cells burst, releasing hemoglobin into the bloodstream.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hemolytic come from?
Hemolytic combines the Greek elements haima, meaning “blood,” and lysis, meaning “a loosening” or “dissolution.” The elements refer to the breakdown or rupture of blood cells. The adjective developed within medical usage, while related forms include the noun hemolysis, the noun hemolysin, and the verb hemolyze.
Related word forms
How hemolytic is actually used
The word is chiefly used in medicine and laboratory science. In British English, it is commonly spelled “haemolytic,” often alongside “anaemia.”
Easily confused with hemolytic
Hemolytic is an adjective describing something that causes or relates to red-blood-cell destruction, whereas hemolysis is the noun for that destructive process.