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

exothermic

1. Relating to a chemical reaction that releases heat.

2. Compare endothermic

Other Word Forms

• exothermically adverb
• exothermally adverb
• exothermicity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of exothermic¹

First recorded in 1880–85; exo- + thermic

Example Sentences

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

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

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

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

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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.”

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