exothermic
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of exothermic
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How does exothermic compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
In chemistry, something that's exothermic has to do with the release of heat. Burning a candle is an exothermic process, since heat is given off. The scientific adjective exothermic is good for describing reactions that involve releasing energy, usually in the form of heat. Exothermic processes vary from something as simple as striking a match on a rough surface to a more extreme and violent example — an explosion. Part of what defines an exothermic reaction is that more energy is released than was required to start it. The word's Greek roots are exo, "outside," and therme, "heat."
Vocabulary lists containing exothermic
Chemistry - High School
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The ACT Science Test: Physics Review
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Chemistry: Chemical Reactions
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“The problem with this chemical is it is a possible flammable liquid and it does have exothermic properties.”
From Los Angeles Times ● May 22, 2026
As noted at the beginning of this module, spontaneous solution formation is favored, but not guaranteed, by exothermic dissolution processes.
From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019
Of the five elements Al, Cl, I, Na, Rb, which has the most exothermic reaction?
From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019
If the reaction is exothermic, the heat produced can be thought of as a product.
From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019
“The water creates an exothermic reaction—do you feel it warming up?”
From "The Running Dream" by Wendelin Van Draanen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
