What does "autolysis" mean?
The destruction of an organism's cells by enzymes produced by the organism itself.
Autolysis
/əˈtɑ.ləˌsɪs/ noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The destruction of an organism's cells by enzymes produced by the organism itself.
- Grammar: autolysis is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: self-digestion, cellular self-digestion.
- Useful contrasts: preservation, stabilization.
- Usage evidence: Autolysis involves combining only the flour and water and letting them sit for 15– 30 minutes before adding the leavening and salt. According to Calvel, this initial preparation gives the starch and the gluten proteins a chance to absorb as much water as possible without the interference of salt, and allows the gluten chains to shorten more […]
How to use "autolysis"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "autolysis" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "autolysis" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "autolysis" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "autolysis" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "autolysis" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "self-digestion" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "autolysis", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The destruction of an organism's cells by enzymes produced by the organism itself. uncountable
- 2 lysis of plant or animal tissue by an internal process wordnet
- 3 The autodigestion of the tissues of an organism. uncountable
- 4 The autocytolysis of blood cells. uncountable
- 5 The decomposition of dead yeast cells in wine after fermentation. uncountable
Show 1 more definition
- 6 A two-stage mixing process where water and flour are combined first before adding leavening and salt. uncountable
"Autolysis involves combining only the flour and water and letting them sit for 15– 30 minutes before adding the leavening and salt. According to Calvel, this initial preparation gives the starch and the gluten proteins a chance to absorb as much water as possible without the interference of salt, and allows the gluten chains to shorten more […]"
Synonyms
All synonyms self-digestioncellular self-digestion
Antonyms
Example
"Autolysis involves combining only the flour and water and letting them sit for 15– 30 minutes before adding the leavening and salt. According to Calvel, this initial preparation gives the starch and the gluten proteins a chance to absorb as much water as possible without the interference of salt, and allows the gluten chains to shorten more […]"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "autolysis"?
Common synonyms include: self-digestion, cellular self-digestion.
How do you use "autolysis" in a sentence?
Autolysis involves combining only the flour and water and letting them sit for 15– 30 minutes before adding the leavening and salt. According to Calvel, this initial preparation gives the starch and the gluten proteins a chance to absorb as much water as possible without the interference of salt, and allows the gluten chains to shorten more […]
How do you pronounce "autolysis"?
Pronounced /əˈtɑ.ləˌsɪs/.
Etymology
From auto- (“self”) + -lysis (“breakdown”).