Autolysis

the breakdown of plant or animal tissue by the action of enzymes contained in the tissue affected; self-digestion.
historical examples

only in tumors in which autolysis is active intra vitam does the method exert any effect.
the propaganda for reform in proprietary medicines, vol. 2 of 2 various

this disintegration may be due to a process of autolysis, which sets in only after the egg has extruded the two polar bodies.
the organism as a whole jacques loeb

this process of self-digestion is known technically as autolysis.
the fundamentals of bacteriology charles bradfield morrey

the products of this autolysis are carried by the lymphatics to healthy tissues and thus may spread the infection.
the propaganda for reform in proprietary medicines, vol. 1 of 2 various

such a const-tuent may be responsible for phagocytosis and autolysis in the organs undergoing absorption.
the organism as a whole jacques loeb

noun
the destruction of cells and tissues of an organism by enzymes produced by the cells themselves

autolysis au·tol·y·sis (ô-tŏl’ĭ-sĭs)
n.

the destruction of tissues or cells of an organism by the action of substances, such as enzymes, that are produced within the organism.

self-destruction of tissues within the living body. also called autodigestion.

the hemolytic action of blood serum or plasma upon its own cells. also called autocytolysis.

au’to·lyt’ic (ô’tə-lĭt’ĭk) adj.