pyrolysis

[pahy-rol-uh-sis]

noun

Chemistry.

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

2. the resulting decomposition.

pyrolysis

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• pyrolytic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyrolysis¹

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