Science, Tech, Math › Science Endothermic Definition Chemistry Glossary Definition of Endothermic Share Flipboard Email Print joshblake/E+/Getty Images Science Chemistry Chemical Laws Basics Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Facebook Twitter 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. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on March 28, 2019 The term "endothermic" describes a process which absorbs thermal (heat) energy. "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. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Endothermic Definition." ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/definition-of-endothermic-604455. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 26). 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 December 2, 2022). copy citation Featured Video