n., pl., -ses (-sēz).
- Biochemistry. The dissolution or destruction of cells, such as blood cells or bacteria, as by the action of a specific lysin that disrupts the cell membrane.
- Medicine. The gradual subsiding of the symptoms of an acute disease.
[New Latin, from Latin, a loosening, from Greek lusis, from lūein, to loosen.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
