Endothermic Definition

Chemistry Glossary Definition of Endothermic

person opening soda can
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by Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
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.
Updated March 29, 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.