Hemolyze

/ˈhiːmoʊˌlaɪz/ verb

Definition

To cause the breakdown and destruction of red blood cells, releasing hemoglobin into the surrounding fluid.

Etymology

From hemolysis + -ize (Greek -izein, to cause or make). This verb form, created in the early 20th century, allows scientists to use hemolysis as an action, describing what agents or conditions do to blood cells.

Kelly Says

When you hemolyze blood samples in the lab (accidentally or on purpose), you're essentially making tiny explosions inside billions of red blood cells—messy, but sometimes necessary for testing.

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