destructive distillation

noun

, Chemistry.

1. the decomposition of a substance, as wood or coal, by heating with a minimal exposure to air, and the collection of the volatile products formed.

destructive distillation

noun

1. the decomposition of a complex substance, such as wood or coal, by heating it in the absence of air and collecting the volatile products

destructive distillation

/ dĭ-strŭk′tĭv /

1. A process by which organic substances such as wood, coal, and oil shale are broken down by heat in the absence of air. This causes them to break down into solids, liquids, and gases, which are then used to make products such as coke, charcoal, oils, and ammonia.

Word History and Origins

Origin of destructive distillation¹

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

A limpid, colorless, highly volatile liquid, obtained by the dehydration of glycerin, or the destructive distillation of neutral fats containing glycerin.

From Project Gutenberg

A volatile, very inflammable liquid, C6H6, contained in the naphtha produced by the destructive distillation of coal, from which it is separated by fractional distillation.

From Project Gutenberg

It is obtained from wood by destructive distillation in close vessels.

From Project Gutenberg

It is found amongst the products of the destructive distillation of a great many organic bodies, but the most abundant source is coal-tar.

From Project Gutenberg

The lower-grade qualities are often produced from the destructive distillation of sawdust, stumpage, etc., and these products, on account of their content of formaldehyde, are objectionable in odor.

From Project Gutenberg