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.

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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

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Other Word Forms

• pyrolytic adjective

Etymology

Origin of pyrolysis

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

Example Sentences

Plastic Energy, meanwhile, is successfully converting plastic waste into pyrolysis oil that can be used to make food and medical grade plastic.

From BBC

This process is known as pyrolysis and takes place in facilities akin to homemade pressure cookers, often in rural backwaters.

From BBC

Seven pyrolysis plants have since been shut down by the authorities.

From BBC

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

ProPublica explored the most popular form of chemical recycling, pyrolysis; we found it is so inefficient that it yields products with almost no actual recycled content.

From Salon