hydrolyse
LowScientific/Technical
Definition
Meaning
To undergo or cause a chemical reaction in which a compound reacts with water and is split into two or more simpler compounds.
The process of breaking down molecules (like complex sugars or proteins) by adding water. This can occur naturally in digestion or artificially in industrial and laboratory settings.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a transitive verb (to hydrolyse something) or intransitive verb (the substance hydrolyses). The related noun is 'hydrolysis'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'hydrolyse' is standard in British English, while American English uses 'hydrolyze'. The pronunciation and meaning are identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations; purely a spelling variant.
Frequency
In both dialects, the word's frequency is low and confined to technical contexts. The spelling difference is absolute.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[SUBJ] hydrolyse [OBJ] (transitive)[OBJ] hydrolyse[s] (intransitive)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in industries like food production (e.g., hydrolysed vegetable protein) or biofuel manufacturing.
Academic
Common in chemistry, biochemistry, food science, and pharmacology texts and research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
The primary register. Describes specific chemical processes in labs, industrial chemistry, and product formulation.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The enzyme will hydrolyse the lactose into simpler sugars.
- Under these conditions, the compound hydrolyses rapidly.
- We need to hydrolyse the protein to analyse its amino acids.
American English
- The enzyme will hydrolyze the lactose into simpler sugars.
- Under these conditions, the compound hydrolyzes rapidly.
- We need to hydrolyze the protein to analyze its amino acids.
adverb
British English
- This bond is hydrolytically unstable. (Derived adverb: 'hydrolytically')
- The material degraded hydrolytically.
American English
- This bond is hydrolytically unstable.
- The material degraded hydrolytically.
adjective
British English
- The hydrolysed starch syrup is used as a sweetener.
- A sample of the hydrolysed product was collected.
American English
- The hydrolyzed starch syrup is used as a sweetener.
- A sample of the hydrolyzed product was collected.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Not applicable at this basic level.)
- (Rare at this level. Possible example:) Scientists can use acid to hydrolyse complex materials.
- In the stomach, enzymes begin to hydrolyse proteins from our food.
- The industrial process hydrolyses wood chips to produce sugars for biofuel.
- The peptide bond can be hydrolysed enzymatically by a protease or chemically under strong acidic conditions.
- Researchers hydrolysed the cellulose to fermentable sugars to assess the biomass's bioenergy potential.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'HYDRO' (water) + 'LYSE' (to split). Water splits the molecule.
Conceptual Metaphor
A chemical scissor using water as the blade.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation with 'гидролизовать' unless in a strict chemical context. In general language, 'разлагать (с помощью воды)' is more descriptive. The noun 'гидролиз' is the direct equivalent of 'hydrolysis'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'hydrolyse' with 'hydrate' (to add water without splitting).
- Misspelling: 'hydrolise' (incorrect).
- Using it as a general term for 'dissolve'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary factor involved in the process of hydrolysis/hydrolysing?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, in chemistry, biochemistry, and related applied sciences like food science and pharmacology. It is not a general vocabulary word.
'Digest' is a broader biological term often involving multiple processes. 'Hydrolyse' is the specific chemical mechanism (using water to break bonds) that underpins much of digestion.
Yes. For example: 'This ester hydrolyses easily in water.' (The water is implied as the agent).
The noun is 'hydrolysis' (e.g., 'the hydrolysis of starch'). The adjective is 'hydrolytic' or the past participle 'hydrolysed/hydrolyzed' can function adjectivally.