# hydrolysis

/haɪˈdɹɑɫəsəs/ (US) · /haɪdɹˈɒləsˌɪs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hydrolysis
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

a chemical process where a substance reacts with water to break down into smaller parts. It is like the opposite of putting things together; instead, you are taking them apart using water.

For teachers: a chemical reaction in which a molecule is split into two parts by the addition of a water molecule. This process is fundamental in biology for breaking down complex molecules like starch and proteins.

## Examples

- The body uses hydrolysis to break down food into energy.
- During the digestion of carbohydrates, hydrolysis occurs as enzymes break the long sugar chains into smaller glucose units.
- The industrial production of biodiesel relies on the hydrolysis of triglycerides to produce glycerol and fatty acid methyl esters, which are then refined into fuel.

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