glycolysis [glahy-kol-uh-sis] Word Origin noun Biochemistry.
- the catabolism of carbohydrates, as glucose and glycogen, by enzymes, with the release of energy and the production of lactic or pyruvic acid.
Origin of glycolysis First recorded in 1890–95; glyco- + -lysis British Dictionary definitions for glycolysis glycolysis noun
- biochem the breakdown of glucose by enzymes into pyruvic and lactic acids with the liberation of energy
Word Origin and History for glycolysis n.
glycolysis in Medicine glycolysis [glī-kŏl′ə-sĭs] n.
- The ATP-generating metabolic process of most cells in which carbohydrates are converted to pyruvic acid.
Related formsgly′co•lyt′ic (glī′kə-lĭt′ĭk) adj. glycolysis in Science glycolysis [glī-kŏl′ə-sĭs]
- The process in cell metabolism by which carbohydrates and sugars, especially glucose, are broken down, producing ATP and pyruvic acid. See more at cellular respiration.