Definition

In a way that involves the chemical process of breaking down a compound by reaction with water.

Example

The substance was hydrolytically degraded in the presence of moisture.

Conversation

Did you know that some compounds break down hydrolytically in water?

Really? I didn’t know water could have such a big effect.

Yeah, it's fascinating how chemical reactions work like that.

Science is amazing! I need to learn more about these processes.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hydrolytically → It is formed from "hydro-" (from Greek "hydor", meaning water) and "lytic" (from Greek "lytikos", meaning able to loosen or dissolve) combined with the adverbial suffix "-ally" (meaning in a manner). The word refers to a process that occurs in a manner related to the loosening or dissolving of substances in water.

Memory Tip

Think of 'water' ('hydro-') being able to 'loosen' or 'dissolve' ('lytic') things — that's how hydrolytically describes a process involving water.

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