1. undergoes or causes photolysis; breaks down or decomposes when exposed to light
Usage: chemistry; biology; third-person singular present tense of photolyze

Examples

• Chlorine gas photolyzes when exposed to ultraviolet light.
• The water molecule photolyzes in the upper atmosphere, releasing hydrogen and oxygen.
• This compound photolyzes rapidly under direct sunlight.
• When the chemical photolyzes, it produces free radicals.
• The pigment photolyzes during photosynthesis to capture light energy.