Endothermic Definition

Chemistry Glossary Definition of Endothermic

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By
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Chemistry Expert
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
  • B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
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Updated on March 28, 2019

The term "endothermic" describes a process which absorbs thermal (heat) energy.

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"Within heating" comes from the Greek prefix endo-, meaning “inside” and the Greek suffix –thermic, meaning “to heat”.

Example: ​

Depressuring a pressurized can is an example of an endothermic process.

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Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Endothermic Definition." ThoughtCo, Jun. 25, 2024, thoughtco.com/definition-of-endothermic-604455. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2024, June 25). Endothermic Definition. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-endothermic-604455 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Endothermic Definition." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-endothermic-604455 (accessed July 20, 2024).