pyrolysis

noun

py·​rol·​y·​sis pī-ˈrä-lə-səs How to pronounce pyrolysis (audio)
: chemical change brought about by the action of heat
pyrolytic adjective
pyrolytically adverb

Examples of pyrolysis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Other existing techniques, including catalytic pyrolysis and one-pot synthesis, are known to enable the production of structurally superior carbon nanotubes and porous carbon. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2025 Each facility has a pyrolysis reactor based on the Viking design that converts agricultural residues such as cashew hulls from area farms into biofuels and high-quality carbon credits for sale on international markets. Erik Kobayashi-Solomon, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025 Another method is pyrolysis, where materials are heated in the absence of oxygen. Joe Frank Bozeman Iii, The Conversation, 6 Aug. 2025 The company says 5 tons of plastic can be refined into about 4,000 liters (1,057 gal) of fuel using pyrolysis. New Atlas, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for pyrolysis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pyrolysis was circa 1890

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Cite this Entry

“Pyrolysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pyrolysis. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

Medical Definition

pyrolysis

noun
py·​rol·​y·​sis pī-ˈräl-ə-səs How to pronounce pyrolysis (audio)
plural pyrolyses -ˌsēz How to pronounce pyrolysis (audio)
: chemical change brought about by the action of heat
pyrolytic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on pyrolysis

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