endothermic
en-doh-THUR-mik
/ˌɛndoʊˈθɜːrmɪk/
Accompanied by or requiring the absorption of heat energy from the surroundings.
Endothermic processes draw heat in from their environment, causing the temperature of the immediate surroundings to drop.
The story behind the word. Also coined by Marcellin Berthelot, 'endothermic' combines the Greek prefix 'endon' (within, inside) with 'therme' (heat). It literally translates to 'heat going inward'.
Word relationships
- heat-absorbing: Heat-absorbing is a descriptive, non-technical term, whereas endothermic is the formal scientific designation.
- exothermic: Exothermic describes a process that releases heat into its surroundings, the direct opposite of endothermic.
Commonly confused with
- endergonic: Endothermic specifically refers to the absorption of heat energy, while endergonic refers to the absorption of free energy in any form.
Word family
- endothermically (adverb): In an endothermic manner.
- endotherm (noun): An organism that generates its own internal body heat (warm-blooded animal).
Collocations
- endothermic reaction
- endothermic process
- highly endothermic
- endothermic nature
Example sentences
- "Photosynthesis is an endothermic process because plants must absorb light energy from the sun to synthesize glucose." Biology and photosynthesis explanation
- "The thermal cracking of hydrocarbons is an endothermic reaction that requires a continuous input of high-temperature heat." Chemical engineering manual
Memory hook
Think of 'enter' and 'thermal'. Heat is 'entering' the reaction from the outside. Heat enters the system.
When not to use
Do not use to describe reactions that release heat, which are exothermic.
Fun facts
- Instant cold packs used for sports injuries contain water and ammonium nitrate. When you squeeze the pack, they mix and undergo a highly endothermic reaction, rapidly drawing heat away from your skin.
Related words
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.