What does exothermally mean?
Exothermally is an adverb describing a process that releases more heat to its surroundings than it absorbs. The opposite process is endothermic, in which the system takes in a net amount of heat. The term is used chiefly in chemistry, thermodynamics, biology, and materials science to characterize reactions, phase changes, decomposition, and other energy-releasing phenomena. A reaction described as exothermally proceeding may raise the temperature of its surroundings, although the amount of heat released and its rate depend on the substances and conditions involved. In everyday discussion, people may simply say that a reaction gives off heat or becomes warm. Exothermally is valuable as a precise formal term when distinguishing energy-releasing behavior from processes that absorb heat or occur without a net heat transfer. The related adverb exothermically is also common and may be preferred in some technical contexts.
adverbIn a way that involves the net release of heat to the surroundings. An exothermical process is one in which more energy is released than is absorbed.
- In an exothermic manner, with a net release of heat to the surroundings.
"The catalyst caused the reactants to decompose exothermally, releasing heat into the surrounding solution."
"The reaction proceeded exothermally, and the vessel became hot to the touch."
"Some materials expand exothermally when heated, producing both structural change and heat release."
Exothermally means the reaction gives heat to its surroundings; endothermally means it takes heat from them.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does exothermally come from?
Exothermally is a modern English formation based on exothermic, with the adverbial suffix -ally. Its ultimate elements come from Greek exō, meaning “outside,” and thermē, meaning “heat,” reflecting the release of heat to a system's surroundings. Related English forms include exotherm, exothermic, and exothermicity.
How exothermally is actually used
This is chiefly a formal scientific term used in chemistry, thermodynamics, biology, and materials science. It is uncommon in everyday speech, and the parallel form exothermically is also widely used.
Easily confused with exothermally
Thermally refers broadly to processes involving heat, whereas exothermally specifically describes a process with a net release of heat.