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autolysis

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(ô täl′ə sis)

noun

the destruction of cells or tissues by their own enzymes, as after death or in some diseases

Origin: auto- + -lysis

Related Forms:

autolytic adjective

See autolysis in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

The destruction of tissues or cells of an organism by the action of substances, such as enzymes, that are produced within the organism. Also called self-digestion.

Related Forms:

auˌto·lytˈic (ôˌtə-lĭtˈĭk) adjective

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