A substance (usually a protein or toxin) that destroys red blood cells by breaking open their membranes, causing them to release their contents.
From Greek 'haima' (blood) + 'lysis' (breaking down or dissolving) + '-in' (a substance or agent). This term emerged in the late 1800s as scientists discovered toxins produced by bacteria and animal venoms.
Certain bacteria produce haemolysins like tiny molecular bombs—they target the membranes of your red blood cells and blow them apart, which is why some bacterial infections can cause severe anemia and turn your skin yellowish.
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