plasmolysis

Term: plasmolysis

Literally meaning: “break down the form”

Origin/Etymology: Anc Greek

(πλασμο-)/plasmo>πλάσμα (noun)/plasma (=something formed or molded, an idol) > πλάσσω/plasso(=create, form, mold)

+λύσις/lysis (=dissolution, degradation, decomposition, destruction)  > verb λύω/leo =break down, solve, loose, degrade)

Coined/History
 The term of plasmolysis was coined by  De Vries  in 1877  who defined it as the separation of  the living protoplasmic envelope from the cell wall due to the influence of an external water withdrawing solution. 

Definition

Plasmolysis is the process in which a cell cytoplasm is shrinked due to osmosis phenomenon.
Sourse
K.J. Oparka New insgights into an old process. New Phytol (1994) 126, 571