noun
- the destruction or breakdown of cells or tissues by their own enzymes, occurring after death or in certain disease states.
Usage: technical; biology/medicine
Examples
- Autolysis begins shortly after death as cellular enzymes break down the body's own tissues.
- The pathologist observed signs of autolysis in the tissue samples.
- Autolysis can complicate the forensic examination of remains.
- In fermentation, autolysis of yeast cells releases compounds that affect flavor.
- The rate of autolysis depends on temperature and other environmental factors.