adipolytic

a. [ L. adeps, adipis, fat + Gr. &unr_; to loose. ] (Chem.) Hydrolyzing fats; converting neutral fats into glycerin and free fatty acids, esp. by the action of an enzyme; as, adipolytic action. Contrast saponify, to hydrolyze fat by the action of an alkali. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]