What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hydrolysis
Example
The hydrolysis of sucrose produces glucose and fructose. [hydrolysis: noun]
Example
The enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of the protein into amino acids. [hydrolysis: noun]
dissociation
Example
The dissociation of NaCl in water produces Na+ and Cl- ions. [dissociation: noun]
Example
The acid dissociates into H+ and Cl- ions when added to water. [dissociates: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dissociation is more commonly used than hydrolysis in everyday language, especially in chemistry contexts. Hydrolysis is more specific and used less frequently.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hydrolysis and dissociation?
Both hydrolysis and dissociation are formal terms used in scientific contexts. However, dissociation is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while hydrolysis is more technical and typically used in formal settings.
