1. A specific complement-fixing antibody that acts destructively on cells and tissues; the various types are designated in accordance with the form of antigen that stimulates the production of the l., e.g., hemolysin, bacteriolysin. 2. Any substance that causes lysis.
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ly·sin 'līs-ən n a substance (as an antibody) capable of causing lysis
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n.
a specific complement-fixing antibody that is capable of bringing about the destruction (lysis) of whole cells. Names are given to varieties of lysin with different targets; for example, haemolysin attacks red blood cells; leucolysin attacks white cells; and a
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ly·sin (liґsin) [Gr. lyein to dissolve] 1. an antibody that causes complement-dependent lysis of cells; often used with a prefix indicating the target cells, e.g., hemolysin, bacteriolysin. Called also immune l. 2. any substance that causes cytolysis.Medical dictionary. 2011.