photolysis

noun

pho·​tol·​y·​sis fō-ˈtä-lə-səs How to pronounce photolysis (audio)
: chemical decomposition by the action of radiant energy (such as light)
photolytic adjective
photolytically adverb

Examples of photolysis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But sunlight in the upper atmosphere is continuously breaking down the gas by photolysis, so some process must be slowly replacing it. Davide Castelvecchi, Scientific American, 16 Dec. 2010

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of photolysis was in 1903

Dictionary Entries Near photolysis

Cite this Entry

“Photolysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photolysis. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

photolysis

noun
pho·​tol·​y·​sis fō-ˈtäl-ə-səs How to pronounce photolysis (audio)
plural photolyses -ˌsēz How to pronounce photolysis (audio)
: chemical decomposition by the action of radiant energy compare radiolysis
photolytic adjective
photolytically adverb

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