exothermic

or ex·o·ther·mal

[ ek-soh-thur-mik ]

adjective

, Chemistry.

1. noting or pertaining to a chemical change that is accompanied by a liberation of heat ( endothermic ).

exothermic

/ ˌɛksəʊˈθɜːmɪk /

adjective

1. See exoergic, endothermic
   (of a chemical reaction or compound) occurring or formed with the evolution of heat Compare endothermic exoergic

exothermic

/ ĕk′sō-thûr′mĭk /

1. Relating to a chemical reaction that releases heat.
2. Compare endothermic

Derived Forms

• ˌexoˈthermically, adverb

Other Words From

• exo·thermi·cal·ly exo·thermal·ly adverb
• ex·o·ther·mic·i·ty [ek-soh-ther-, mis, -i-tee], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of exothermic¹

First recorded in 1880–85; exo- + thermic

Example Sentences

This process produces an exothermic reaction, raising the pack’s temperature to roughly 130 degrees Fahrenheit in under 10 seconds.

From Popular-Science

For it was a new kind which contained an exothermic ingredient.

From Project Gutenberg

Compounds formed with the evolution of heat are termed exothermic, while those formed with an absorption are termed endothermic.

From Project Gutenberg

When carbon unites chemically with oxygen, it is an exothermic reaction that gives off heat as correlated energy.

From Project Gutenberg

All chemical compounds are either “endothermic” or “exothermic.”

From Project Gutenberg