autothermal

adjective

au·​to·​ther·​mal ˌȯ-tō-ˈthər-məl 

chemistry

: of, relating to, or being a reaction that creates synthesis gas using only the heat produced by the reaction itself

One of the major advantages of thermophilic digestion (anaerobic and aerobic) is the ability to operate the digester under autothermal conditions. The biogas produced can be used as a heat source for the digester and to generate power.

—T. Amani et al., Environmental Reviews, December 2010

Word History

Etymology

auto- entry 1 + thermal entry 1

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

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