The term "hydrolyzed" refers to a chemical reaction in which water is used to break down or dissolve another substance. This process typically involves the addition of water to a compound, causing it to split into smaller molecules or fragments. Hydrolysis can occur naturally, as with the decomposition of organic matter in soil, or through human intervention, such as the use of hydrochloric acid and heat to break down proteins in food processing. The term "hydrolyzed" is often used on ingredient labels to indicate that a substance has been subjected to this process.