Definition

Verb: - To cause a chemical compound to react with water, resulting in the decomposition of that compound into simpler substances through the process of hydrolysis. This involves the breaking of chemical bonds by the addition of water molecules.

Usage

This is a technical verb used primarily in chemistry and biochemistry. It describes a specific chemical reaction. - The enzyme helps to hydrolise the starch into simple sugars. - Strong acids can hydrolise esters into alcohols and carboxylic acids.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• Passive Voice: Frequently used in the passive voice to describe the state or result of the compound.
  • The compound was completely hydrolised after two hours in the aqueous solution.
• Causative Agent: Often specifies the agent (e.g., acid, enzyme, heat) causing the reaction.
  • The base was used to hydrolise the amide bond.

Variants and Related Words

• Hydrolize (verb): An alternative spelling, primarily used in American English.
• Hydrolysis (noun): The name of the chemical process itself.
  • The hydrolysis of sucrose yields glucose and fructose.
• Hydrolytic (adjective): Describing something related to or causing hydrolysis.
  • The hydrolytic enzyme was very effective.

Synonyms

• Decompose (by hydrolysis): To break down through reaction with water.
• Split (by hydrolysis): To cleave chemical bonds using water.

Notes on Meaning

This word has a single, precise scientific meaning. It is not used in everyday conversation but is common in academic, industrial, and medical contexts related to chemistry, biology, and food science.

Verb

1. make a compound react with water and undergo hydrolysis