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Definition of: autolysis
(ô·tol′ə·sis) noun
1. Biochem. The disintegration of cells and tissues after death by the action of enzymes already present: distinguished from heterolysis.
2. Physiol. Self-digestion of organic material. [ < NL < AUTO-1 + Gk. lysis dissolution < lyein loosen, dissolve]
—au·to·lyt·ic (ô′tə·lit′ik) adjective
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