hydrolysis
Pronunciation: hī-drol′i-sis
Definition: A chemical process whereby a compound is cleaved into two or more simpler compounds with the uptake of the H and OH parts of a water molecule on either side of the chemical bond cleaved; hydrolysis is effected by the action of acids, alkalies, or enzymes.
Synonym(s): hydrolytic cleavage
[hydro- + G. lysis, dissolution]
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Examples: glitazone, GI cocktail, etc.

