Definition

Capable of being broken down by the process of hydrolysis, which involves the reaction of a substance with water.

Example

Certain compounds are hydrolyzable, meaning they can be decomposed when they react with water.

Conversation

I read that some proteins are hydrolyzable in the body.

Oh really? That sounds interesting! How does that work?

Basically, it means they can be broken down by water or enzymes.

Got it! That makes sense, especially in digestion.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hydrolyzable → It is formed from "hydro-" (from Greek "hydor", meaning water) and "lyzable" (from Greek "lyzein", meaning to loosen or break down). The word describes a substance that can be broken down or loosened by water.

Memory Tip

Think of 'water' ('hydro-') being able to 'break down' ('lyzein') a substance — that's why hydrolyzable means something that can be broken down by water.

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