1. breaking down a compound by reaction with water
Usage: chemistry; present participle of hydrolyze

Examples

• The enzyme is hydrolyzing the protein into amino acids.
• Stomach acid assists in hydrolyzing food molecules.
• The laboratory is hydrolyzing starch to produce glucose.
• Bacteria are hydrolyzing cellulose in the compost pile.
• The process involves hydrolyzing complex carbohydrates.
• Scientists observed the catalyst hydrolyzing the substrate.