1. breaks down a compound by reaction with water
Usage: chemistry; third person singular present tense

Examples

• The enzyme hydrolyzes starch into simple sugars.
• When exposed to moisture, the polymer slowly hydrolyzes.
• The acid hydrolyzes the ester bond in the molecule.
• This catalyst hydrolyzes cellulose more efficiently than others.
• The protein hydrolyzes rapidly at high temperatures.
• Water hydrolyzes the salt to form an acid and a base.