pyrolysis

noun

py·​rol·​y·​sis pī-ˈrä-lə-səs 

: chemical change brought about by the action of heat

pyrolytic

ˌpī-rə-ˈli-tik 

adjective

pyrolytically

ˌpī-rə-ˈli-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of pyrolysis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Unlike traditional thermal conversion methods such as incineration, gasification, or pyrolysis—which typically rely on combustion, oxygen input, or catalytic beds—Raven SR’s two-stage process is driven by indirect electric heating, offering superior control over reaction conditions and emissions. —David Blekhman, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025

Biochar Projects Biochar, a stable form of carbon produced by heating organic waste in the absence of oxygen, also known as pyrolysis. —Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025

In pyrolysis, oxygen and nitrogen from the feedstock can end up in the product, necessitating additional postprocessing steps, namely hydrotreating. —IEEE Spectrum, 20 Aug. 2024

This requires capital investment at petrochemical facilities that are receiving the pyrolysis oil. —IEEE Spectrum, 20 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pyrolysis

• autolysis
• cytolysis
• glycolysis
• haemolysis
• hydrolysis
• lipolysis
• photolysis
• thermolysis
• electrolysis
• fibrinolysis
• radiolysis
• glycogenolysis

Medical Definition

pyrolysis

noun

py·​rol·​y·​sis pī-ˈräl-ə-səs 

plural pyrolyses -ˌsēz 

: chemical change brought about by the action of heat

pyrolytic

ˌpī-rə-ˈlit-ik 

adjective