peptidolysis
/ˌpɛptɪˈdɒlɪsɪs/ /ˌpɛptʌɪˈdɒlɪsɪs/Biochemistry
noun
The breakdown of a polypeptide into smaller peptides or amino acids by the hydrolysis of peptide bonds.
Origin
1970s; earliest use found in Biochimica et Biophysica Acta. From peptide + -o- + -lysis, after peptidolytic.