ˈläs ə n- noun
Usage: usually capitalized L
Etymology: probably after Wilhelm Lossen died 1906 German chemist
: the conversion of a hydroxamic acid RCONHOH to an amine RNH 2 , a urea (RNH) 2 CO, a urethane RNHCOOC 2 H 5 , or a similar derivative by way of an intermediate isocyanate RNCO