lytic
1 of 2adjective
lyt·ic ˈli-tik 
: of or relating to lysis or a lysin
also : productive of or effecting lysis (as of cells)
lytically
ˈli-ti-k(ə-)lē
adverb -lytic
2 of 2adjective suffix
: of, relating to, or effecting (such) decomposition
hydrolytic
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
B David Zarley, The Verge, 5 July 2019 Additionally, phages can cause different types of infections, typically either lytic or lysogenic. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 1 Feb. 2018
Adjective
Working together as a phage cocktail, lytic phages can target and destroy superbugs. B David Zarley, The Verge, 5 July 2019 Additionally, phages can cause different types of infections, typically either lytic or lysogenic. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 1 Feb. 2018 Word History
Etymology
Adjective
Greek lytikos able to loose, from lyein
Adjective suffix
Greek lytikos
First Known Use
Adjective
1889, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
lytic
adjective
lyt·ic ˈlit-ik
: of or relating to lysis or a lysin
also : productive of or effecting lysis (as of cells)
lytic viruses
lytic action on cells