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pyrolysis

American  
[pahy-rol-uh-sis] / paɪˈrɒl ə sɪs /

noun

Chemistry.
  1. the subjection of organic compounds to very high temperatures.

  2. the resulting decomposition.


pyrolysis British  
/ 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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of pyrolysis

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

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.

See Examples For:

Microplastic samples utilized pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry for analysis.

From Science Daily Jun. 28, 2026

It acknowledged for the first time that it's "highly likely" that a proportion of tyres from the UK are diverted to illegal pyrolysis as opposed to being recycled.

From BBC Aug. 7, 2025

In an oxygen-free environment, in temperatures of about 500C, a process known as pyrolysis takes place.

From BBC Mar. 25, 2025

While others in the field have attempted to break tire materials down using high heat, through a process known as pyrolysis, 6PPD is stubborn and the diketone molecules remain in the oil left behind.

From Science Daily Nov. 20, 2024

This bill would count pyrolysis as manufacturing, not incineration.

From Salon Oct. 25, 2024

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