-lysis
a combining form with the meaning “breaking down, loosening, decomposition,” used in the formation of compound words:
-n-lysis; electrolysis; paralysis.
-lysis
combining form
indicating a loosening, decomposition, or breaking down electrolysis, paralysis
word origin
-lysis
scientific/medical suffix meaning “loosening, dissolving, dissolution,” from gk. lysis “a loosening, setting free, releasing, dissolution,” from lyein “to unfasten, loose, loosen, untie” (see lose). a french back-formation gave english -lyze for forming verbs from nouns in -lysis.
-lysis suff.
decomposition; dissolving; disintegration: hydrolysis.
Read Also:
- -lyte
a combining form used in the formation of compound words that denote something subjected to a certain process (indicated by a noun ending in -lysis, ): electrolyte. -lyte2 variant of -lite. -lyte combining form indicating a substance that can be decomposed or broken down electrolyte word origin -lyte suff. a substance that can be decomposed […]
- -lytic
a combining form occurring in adjectives that correspond to nouns ending in -lysis: -n-lytic; paralytic. -lytic combining form indicating a loosening or dissolving paralytic word origin -lytic suff. of, relating to, or causing a specified kind of decomposition: lymphatolytic.
- -lyze
a combining form occurring in verbs that correspond to nouns ending in -lysis: catalyze. -lyze suff. to cause or undergo lysis: hydrolyze.
- -machy
a combining form meaning “fighting,” used in the formation of compound words: logomachy. -machy suffix meaning “battle, war, contest,” from gk. -makhia, from makhe “battle, fight,” related to makhesthai “to fight,” of unknown origin.
- -mad
-mad combining word devoted to, manic over, obsessed with what is indicated: money-mad/ computer-mad/ horse-mad