Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /hɪˈmoʊlɪtɪk/
KK: /hɪˈmɒlɪtɪk/
Definition
Relating to the destruction of red blood cells in the body.
Example
The doctor explained that the hemolytic reaction can lead to anemia.
Conversation

I read that some infections can be quite hemolytic and affect red blood cells.

Really? I didn't know that could happen with infections.

Yeah, it’s fascinating how our bodies react to those hemolytic effects.

It makes me appreciate our immune system even more!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
lytic
destructive
decomposing
Antonyms
preserving
protective
hemostatic
Root Explanation
Hemolytic → It is formed from "hemo-" (from Greek "haima", meaning blood) and "lytic" (from Greek "lytikos", meaning capable of loosening or dissolving). The word "hemolytic" refers to the process capable of breaking down or dissolving blood cells.
Memory Tip
Think of 'blood' ('hemo-') being 'broken down' ('lytic') — that's what hemolytic means.
Visually Confused Words
chemolytic
thermolytic
hematolytic
anhemolytic
hemiolic
chemotic
autohemolytic
antihemolytic