The metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose into two pyruvate molecules, producing a small amount of ATP and NADH. This process occurs in the cytoplasm and is the first stage of cellular respiration.
From Greek 'glykys' meaning 'sweet' (referring to glucose) and 'lysis' meaning 'breakdown' or 'loosening.' The term was coined in the early 1900s as scientists discovered this sugar-splitting pathway.
Glycolysis is like breaking a $20 bill (glucose) into two $10 bills (pyruvate) at a currency exchange that charges a fee - you lose some value in the transaction, but now you have smaller denominations your cellular economy can actually use!
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