pyrolysis
Americannoun
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the subjection of organic compounds to very high temperatures.
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the resulting decomposition.
noun
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the application of heat to chemical compounds in order to cause decomposition
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chemical decomposition of compounds caused by high temperatures
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of pyrolysis
Vocabulary lists containing pyrolysis
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.
Earlier approaches for converting polyethylene into gasoline have typically relied on pyrolysis, a process that uses intense heat to break large polymer molecules into smaller hydrocarbons.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 21, 2026
Microplastic samples utilized pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry for analysis.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 28, 2026
In an oxygen-free environment, in temperatures of about 500C, a process known as pyrolysis takes place.
From BBC ● Mar. 25, 2025
The pyrolysis plants - often in rural backwaters - are akin to homemade pressure cookers and produce dangerous gasses and chemicals.
From BBC ● Mar. 25, 2025
During pyrolysis, materials like plastic are heated in a low-oxygen environment until they break down into other chemicals.
From Salon ● Oct. 25, 2024
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