verb
- to break down a chemical compound by reaction with water
Usage: chemistry; often used in passive voice
Examples
- Enzymes hydrolyze proteins into amino acids during digestion.
- The starch was hydrolyzed to produce simple sugars.
- Acid can hydrolyze cellulose into glucose molecules.
- The laboratory will hydrolyze the sample to analyze its components.
- Water molecules hydrolyze the ester bonds in the fat.
- Heat and moisture cause the polymer to hydrolyze over time.