How Do You Spell LYTIC?

Pronunciation: [lˈɪtɪk] (IPA)

The word "lytic" refers to something that is capable of breaking down or dissolving. Its spelling can be a bit tricky, as it includes a consonant cluster that can be difficult to pronounce. The IPA phonetic transcription for "lytic" is /ˈlɪtɪk/, which breaks down into four distinct sounds: the "L" sound at the beginning, followed by the short "I" sound and the "T" sound in succession, and ending with the "K" sound at the end. Pronouncing all four sounds together correctly will help you spell "lytic" with ease.

LYTIC Meaning and Definition

  1. Lytic is an adjective that pertains to, or has the nature of, lysis. Lysis refers to the disintegration or breakdown of cells, tissues, or substances through various means. The term is particularly used in biology and medicine to describe a process that involves the destruction or dissolution of cells or viruses.

    In biological contexts, lytic usually implies the destruction of cells by a certain agent or infection. For example, a virus that causes an infection is described as having a lytic effect if it invades cells, replicates within them, and ultimately destroys the cells as it exits to infect other cells. This process is commonly associated with the lytic cycle, which is the viral reproductive cycle characterized by cell destruction as opposed to the lysogenic cycle, where the virus integrates within the host cell’s DNA without immediate destruction.

    Furthermore, lytic can also refer to substances or treatments that have the capability to induce lysis or cell breakdown. For instance, lytic enzymes, such as lysozyme, are capable of breaking down bacterial cell walls. Additionally, lytic therapies or medications may be employed to target specific cells for destruction in medical treatments, such as for cancer cells or blood clots.

    In summary, lytic is an adjective used in biology and medicine to describe processes, infections, substances, or therapies that result in the breakdown, destruction, or disintegration of cells, tissues, or substances.

  2. Relating to lysis in either sense.

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

Common Misspellings for LYTIC

Etymology of LYTIC

The word "lytic" has its roots in the Ancient Greek word "lutikos" (λυτικός), which means "loosening" or "dissolving". This term comes from "luō" (λύω), meaning "to loosen" or "to dissolve". In medicine and biology, "lytic" is used to describe processes or substances that cause the breakdown, dissolution, or destruction of cells or tissues.

Similar spelling words for LYTIC

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