hemolysis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
technicalscientific/medical
Quick answer
What does “hemolysis” mean?
The destruction or breakdown of red blood cells.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The destruction or breakdown of red blood cells.
The process whereby red blood cells rupture, releasing hemoglobin into the surrounding fluid. This can occur due to various factors, including toxins, antibodies, or physical stress.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English uses 'haemolysis' as the primary spelling. American English uses 'hemolysis'.
Connotations
None beyond spelling differences.
Frequency
Frequency is identical within medical and scientific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “hemolysis” in a Sentence
The toxin causes hemolysis.Hemolysis occurs due to...The sample showed evidence of hemolysis.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hemolysis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The antibody can haemolyse the red cells.
- The agent failed to haemolyse the sample.
American English
- The toxin will hemolyze the red blood cells.
- Cold temperatures can hemolyze stored blood.
adverb
British English
- The cells were haemolysing actively.
- The process proceeds haemolytically.
American English
- The cells hemolyzed rapidly.
- The substance acts hemolytically.
adjective
British English
- The haemolytic agent was potent.
- She studied haemolytic anaemia.
American English
- The hemolytic reaction was severe.
- They identified a hemolytic antibody.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Common in medical, biological, and biochemical research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Extremely rare outside of a medical context or discussion of specific health conditions.
Technical
The primary domain of use.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hemolysis”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hemolysis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hemolysis”
- Misspelling as 'hemolyses' (plural form) or 'hemolyze' (verb form) when referring to the noun.
- Confusing with 'hydrolysis'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no difference in meaning. 'Hemolysis' is the American English spelling, while 'haemolysis' is the British English spelling.
In a living body, significant hemolysis is pathological and leads to anemia. In a laboratory, it is usually an unwanted artefact that ruins a blood sample.
Yes, in a liquid like blood plasma or serum, hemolysis turns it pink or red due to the released hemoglobin.
There isn't a single direct antonym. 'Hemostasis' refers to stopping bleeding, which is a different concept. Preserving red blood cell integrity is the functional opposite.
The destruction or breakdown of red blood cells.
Hemolysis is usually scientific/medical in register.
Hemolysis: in British English it is pronounced /hiːˈmɒlɪsɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /hiˈmɑːlɪsɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'HEMO' (blood) + 'LYSIS' (splitting apart). Blood splitting.
Conceptual Metaphor
A container (the red blood cell) breaking open and spilling its contents.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a correct definition of 'hemolysis'?