hydrolize

/ˈhaɪdrəlaɪz/
verb
  1. To break down a chemical compound by reacting with water (American spelling).
    • When you cook beans, heat helps hydrolize the complex starches into simpler sugars.
    • The detergent uses enzymes to hydrolize grease stains in cold water.
    • Scientists are developing a way to hydrolize plastic waste back into raw materials.