1. Plural of lysin; proteins or antibodies that cause the destruction or dissolution of cells, especially by breaking down their cell membranes.
Usage: technical; biology

Examples

• The immune system produces lysins to destroy invading bacteria.
• Hemolysins are a type of lysin that breaks down red blood cells.
• Researchers studied how lysins interact with bacterial cell walls.
• The serum contained lysins that were effective against the pathogen.
• Lysins play an important role in the body's defense mechanisms.