How Do You Spell HYDROLYSIS?

Pronunciation: [ha͡ɪdɹˈɒləsˌɪs] (IPA)

Hydrolysis, spelled /haɪˈdrɒləsɪs/, is a chemical reaction in which water is used to break down a compound. The word is derived from the Greek words "hydro" meaning water and "lysis" meaning break. The spelling of the word contains a few unique phonetic sounds, such as the long "i" in "hydro" and the "ə" (schwa) sound in the second syllable. It is important to spell the word correctly in chemistry as it is a fundamental process used in many reactions.

HYDROLYSIS Meaning and Definition

  1. Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction that involves the breaking of a compound using water molecules. Specifically, it is the process of splitting a molecule into two or more smaller molecules through the addition of a water molecule. This reaction occurs when the covalent bond between two atoms in the molecule is cleaved, and the hydrogen atom from water joins with one atom, while the hydroxyl group (-OH) from water combines with the other atom, resulting in the formation of two separate compounds.

    Hydrolysis is a fundamental process in various biological and chemical systems. In biology, it plays a crucial role in the metabolism of food, as large nutrients like carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins are broken down into smaller molecules that can be used by cells for energy production. That being said, it is involved in numerous other biological processes, including DNA replication, protein synthesis, and digestion.

    Chemically, hydrolysis reactions are widely employed in many industries, such as the production of pharmaceuticals and soaps, as well as in the field of environmental analysis, where it is used to analyze complex organic compounds. Moreover, hydrolysis is a key process in determining the stability of materials, as it can cause the degradation of various substances, including polymers and minerals.

    Overall, hydrolysis is a crucial chemical reaction that involves the breaking of a compound via the addition of water, and it holds significant importance in both biological and chemical systems.

  2. A chemical process whereby a compound takes up oxygen and hydrogen in the proportion forming water and is thereupon resolved into other compounds; the result is called splitting ("fat-splitting," "starch-splitting," etc.) when it is induced in the animal or vegetable body through the action of enzymes.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Top Common Misspellings for HYDROLYSIS *

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Other Common Misspellings for HYDROLYSIS

Etymology of HYDROLYSIS

The word "hydrolysis" is derived from two Greek roots: "hydro" meaning "water" and "lysis" meaning "loosening" or "breaking down". Thus, "hydrolysis" literally translates to "breaking down with water". This term refers to a chemical reaction in which a compound is broken down by the addition of water.

Similar spelling words for HYDROLYSIS

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