pyrolysis

[ pahy-rol-uh-sis ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. the subjection of organic compounds to very high temperatures.
2. the resulting decomposition.

pyrolysis

/ ˌpaɪrəʊˈlɪtɪk; paɪˈrɒlɪsɪs /

noun

1. the application of heat to chemical compounds in order to cause decomposition
2. chemical decomposition of compounds caused by high temperatures

Derived Forms

• pyrolytic, adjective

Other Words From

• py·ro·lyt·ic [pahy-r, uh, -, lit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyrolysis¹

First recorded in 1885–90; pyro- + -lysis

Example Sentences

ProPublica explored the most popular form of chemical recycling, pyrolysis; we found it is so inefficient that it yields products with almost no actual recycled content.

From Salon

The EPA did not comment directly on the policy’s implications for pyrolysis or mass balance.

From Salon

I spent months investigating one of those technologies, a form of chemical recycling called pyrolysis, only to find that it is largely a mirage.

From Salon

"A prominent means of chemical recycling is called pyrolysis," Schug said.

From Science Daily

Next, using a technique called pyrolysis, they put the plastic pellet in a metal cup and heated it to 600 degrees Celsius, then captured gas emissions as different types of plastic combusted at specific temperatures.

From Science Daily