hydrolysis

n. breaking down of a compound by means of water (Chemistry)

Not to be confused with electrolysis Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction or process in which a chemical compound is broken down by reaction with water. This is the type of reaction that is used to break down polymers. Water is added in this reaction.In organic chemistry, hydrolysis can be considered as the reverse or opposite of condensation, a reaction in which two molecular fragments are joined for each water molecule produced. As hydrolysis may be a reversible reaction, condensation and hydrolysis can take place at the same time, with the position of equilibrium determining the amount of each product.
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Hydrolysis /hy·drol·y·sis/ pl. hydrol´yses the cleavage of a compound by the addition of water, the hydroxyl group being incorporated in one [more]Hydrolysis - Community and Resources

Noun
1. a chemical reaction in which water reacts with a compound to produce other compounds; involves the splitting of a bond and the addition of the hydrogen cation and the hydroxide anion from the water
(hypernym) chemical reaction, reaction
(derivation) hydrolize, hydrolise

A chemical reaction that uses water to break down a compound.