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Glite Dictionary
radiolysis

radiolysis

1 9.9
The breaking of molecules into smaller parts by radiation
  • noun
  • /ˌreɪdiˈɑlɪsɪs/
  • Specialized
: radiólisis
  • (A little hydrogen is added to reactor water to eat up any oxygen that is freed by radiolysis.)

Examples

  • The scientists studied the effects of radiolysis on various chemical compounds in the presence of radiation.

  • Exposure to high levels of radiation can lead to radiolysis, breaking down the molecular structure of materials.

  • In nuclear reactors, radiolysis can produce free radicals that may affect the reactor's materials.

Surface Forms

radiolysis singular
radiolyses plural

Morphology

radiolysis = radio + lysis (semi-transparent) = radio + lysis

The meaning 'decomposition by radiation' follows directly from 'radio' (radiation) + 'lysis' (decomposition), but '-lysis' is a technical combining form that many learners may not know.

Etymology

Radiolysis combines radio- meaning 'ray' or 'radiation' and -lysis meaning 'breaking apart', as in dialysis. So the word literally means 'breaking apart by radiation', which is why it describes molecules being broken down when they are hit by radiation.