-lyzesuff. To cause or undergo lysis: pyrolyze.[From -lysis.]American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.ly?sis (?la? s?s) n. 1. the dissolution or destruction of cells by lysins. 2. the gradual recession of a disease. Compare crisis (def. 4). [1815?25;