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

The ‘So What?’ A 2022 study published in Nature described energy recovery of waste plastics in diesel fuel through a process called pyrolysis. —Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025

Other chemical recycling methods, such as pyrolysis and gasification, have drawn environmental and health concerns because the plastic is heated, which can release toxic fumes. —Alex Jordan, The Conversation, 16 Apr. 2025

The pyrolysis process that liquefies plastic at temperatures close to 290 degrees Celsius (554 degrees Fahrenheit) can unfurl toxic byproducts, such as antimony, benzene or toluene. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 4 Apr. 2025

Benefits of pyrolysis When done effectively, plastic pyrolysis offers several benefits. —Alexander Kaplitz, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2025

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