photolyze

[ foht-l-ahyz ]

verb (used with object),pho·to·lyzed, pho·to·lyz·ing.
  1. to break down molecules with light.

verb (used without object),pho·to·lyzed, pho·to·lyz·ing.
  1. to experience photolysis.

Origin of photolyze

1
1935–40; photo(lysis) + -lyze, on the model of analysis, analyze
  • Also especially British, pho·to·lyse .

Other words from photolyze

  • pho·to·ly·za·tion, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024