pyrolysis

Definition

The decomposition of a material or compound due to heat, in the absence of oxygen or other reagents.

Etymology

From pyro- + -lysis.

Example Sentences

• "Techniques that have successfully identified ionic intermediates in solution have been applied to gas-phase pyrolyses."
• "Twenty years ago our real understanding of the mechanism of alkane pyrolyses was little better than rudimentary."
• "Pyrolysis involves the thermal degradation of the rubber of the tyre to give an oil and gas leaving a residual solid carbon and the steel casing of the tyre."

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