What does hydrolyse mean?
To hydrolyse is to break a substance down chemically through a reaction involving water. In molecular terms, a water molecule participates in a reaction that cleaves a particular chemical bond, often separating a larger molecule into smaller components. The process is especially important in biology and chemistry: enzymes hydrolyse proteins into peptides, starches into sugars, and DNA into smaller nucleic-acid fragments. The related noun “hydrolysis” names this reaction, while the adjective “hydrolytic” describes something involved in or characterized by it. Although “hydrolyse” can sound figurative, its established use is primarily technical. In ordinary English, “break down” or “decompose” may be clearer when precision is not required. British English generally spells the word “hydrolyse,” whereas US English uses “hydrolyze,” with no difference in meaning.
verbTo chemically decompose a substance by causing it to react with water, especially by breaking a chemical bond with a water molecule. It can also refer to the breakdown of biological molecules by enzymes.
- To decompose a substance chemically through reaction with water, especially by cleaving a chemical bond.
"The enzyme hydrolyses starch into smaller sugar molecules."
"Bacteria release enzymes that hydrolyse proteins into smaller peptides."
"The treatment hydrolyses a complex carbohydrate into simpler sugars."
Hydrolysis makes water a chemical tool: add it to a suitable bond, and the molecule can come apart.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hydrolyse come from?
The English verb was formed in the 19th century from Greek elements meaning “water” and “loosening” or “dissolution.” Its structure is also reflected in “hydrolysis,” the noun for the chemical reaction, and “hydrolytic,” the corresponding adjective. The second element is related to a family of English words derived from Greek lysis, including “lysosome” and “lysate.”
Related word forms
How hydrolyse is actually used
The British spelling is “hydrolyse”; US English normally uses “hydrolyze.” The word is chiefly used in chemistry, biochemistry, and related technical contexts and may be used intransitively as well as transitively.
Easily confused with hydrolyse
“Hydrolyse” and “hydrolyze” have the same meaning and differ chiefly in spelling: “hydrolyse” is standard in British English, while “hydrolyze” is standard in US English.