exothermic

American  

[ek-soh-thur-mik] / ˌɛk soʊˈθɜr mɪk /

Or exothermal

adjective

Chemistry.

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

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exothermic British  

/ ˌɛksəʊˈθɜːmɪk /

adjective

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

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exothermic Scientific  

/ ĕk′sō-thûr′mĭk /

1. Relating to a chemical reaction that releases heat.

2. Compare endothermic

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Other Word Forms

• exothermally adverb
• exothermically adverb
• exothermicity noun

Etymology

Origin of exothermic

First recorded in 1880–85; exo- + thermic

Compare meaning

How does exothermic compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• endothermic vs. exothermic

Example Sentences

The reaction is "exothermic," meaning it produces heat as well as steam.

From National Geographic Kids

But at a certain point, he explained, those reactions become exothermic — that is, they generate heat themselves — which kicks the reactions into high gear.

From New York Times

Because sea turtles are exothermic, they get their body temperatures from their surroundings, like air or water.

From Washington Post

The injection creates an exothermic reaction that ignites the fuels inside the balls.

From Washington Times

A footnote to the charging document said such explosive material “gives off heat and energy through a rapid exothermic reaction when initiated by heat, shock or friction.”

From Washington Times