Science, Tech, Math › Science Exothermic Definition Chemistry Glossary Definition of Exothermic Print Campfire smoke contains many pollutants. Australian Scenics/Getty Images Science Chemistry Chemical Laws Basics Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on April 03, 2019 A term used to describe a reaction or process that releases energy in the form of heat. Sometimes the term is applied to processes that release other forms of energy, such as electrical energy, sound, or light. Read More Exothermic Reaction Definition By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Example: Combustion of wood Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Exothermic Definition." ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/definition-of-exothermic-604461. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 26). Exothermic Definition. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-exothermic-604461 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Exothermic Definition." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-exothermic-604461 (accessed April 19, 2024). copy citation