lysis

2 definitions found

lysis - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Lysis \Ly"sis\ (l[imac]"s[i^]s), n. [NL., fr. Gr. ly`sis.]
     (Med.)
     The resolution or favorable termination of a disease, coming
     on gradually and not marked by abrupt change.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: It is usually contrasted with crisis, in which the
           improvement is sudden and marked; as, pneumonia ends by
           crisis, typhoid fever by lysis.
           [1913 Webster]

lysis - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  lysis
      n 1: recuperation in which the symptoms of an acute disease
           gradually subside
      2: (biochemistry) dissolution or destruction of cells such as
         blood cells or bacteria