(n)any substance that can cause lysis (destruction) of erythrocytes (red blood cells) and the release of their hemoglobin, Syn.erythrocytolysin, haemolysin, erythrolysin
n. [ Gr. a"i^ma blood.] (Chem.) A dark brown powder containing iron, prepared by the action of zinc dust as a reducing agent upon the coloring matter of the blood, used medicinally as a hematinic. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]