Endothermic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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endothermic

[หŒendษ™หˆฮธษ™rmษชk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

chemistry process

Endothermic refers to a reaction or process that absorbs heat from its surroundings. These processes usually require an input of energy to occur, resulting in a temperature drop in the environment. Common examples include melting ice and photosynthesis.

Synonyms

heat-absorbing, thermal absorbing.

Examples of usage

  • The melting of ice is an endothermic reaction.
  • Photosynthesis in plants is an endothermic process.
  • In an endothermic reaction, heat is absorbed.
  • The evaporative cooling effect is due to endothermic processes.
  • Dissolving certain salts in water can be endothermic.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Science

  • Many animals, called endotherms, can regulate their internal body temperature through metabolic processes.
  • This type of temperature regulation allows endothermic creatures, such as mammals and birds, to thrive in varied environments, including extremely cold places.
  • In chemistry, endothermic reactions absorb heat, leading to a temperature drop in their surroundings, making them feel cold!

Psychology

  • The comfort of warm environments can have a calming effect on emotions, often making us feel safe and relaxed.
  • Studies suggest that temperature can influence our perceptions of warmth in social interactions and our feelings of trust towards others.

Literature

  • In many survival stories, the distinction between endothermic and ectothermic (cold-blooded) animals highlight their different adaptations to challenges.
  • Some fantasy novels depict endothermic creatures with unique powers related to heat, emphasizing their ability to alter their environments.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often portray endothermic characters in fantastical ways, like superheroes who can generate heat or cold.
  • Animated films frequently feature both endothermic and ectothermic animals, showcasing their contrasting lifestyles and importance to the ecosystem.

Origin of 'endothermic'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'endothermic' comes from the Greek words 'endon' meaning 'inside' and 'thermos' meaning 'heat'.
  • It was first used in the mid-19th century in scientific literature to describe processes that absorb heat.

The term 'endothermic' derives from the combination of the Greek prefix 'endo-', meaning 'inside' or 'within', and 'thermic', which comes from the Greek word 'thermos', meaning 'heat'. The concept was first coined in the 19th century as chemists began to classify chemical reactions according to the heat exchange with their surroundings. In contrast to exothermic reactions, which release heat, endothermic processes were identified as critical to understanding various physical and chemical phenomena, including phase transitions and biological processes. The term has since been widely adopted in the fields of chemistry, biology, and thermodynamics, becoming integral to the study of energy transfer in reactions.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,168, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.