Lysis

lysis

[′lī·səs]

(cell and molecular biology)

Dissolution of a cell or tissue by the action of a lysin.

(medicine)

Gradual decline in the manifestations of a disease, especially an infectious disease. Also known as defervescence.

Gradual fall of fever.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

lysis

A plinth or step above the cornice of the podium of some Roman temples; when present in a columnar edifice, it constitutes the stylobate proper.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Architecture and Construction. Copyright © 2003 by McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

The following article is from The Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1979). It might be outdated or ideologically biased.

Lysis

 

(1) A slow and gradual fall in body temperature in febrile diseases (contrasted with crisis) and the abatement of symptoms in the course of several days. Lysis lasts from three to ten or 12 days. A number of infectious diseases (typhoid fever, scarlet fever, measles), focal inflammations of the lungs, and pleuritis terminate in lysis.

(2) The dissolution or destruction of cells, including microorganisms; disruption of tissue structure under the influence of enzymes and other lytic agents.

The Great Soviet Encyclopedia, 3rd Edition (1970-1979). © 2010 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.