ScienceSeptember 4, 2026

autothermal

AW-toh-THER-mul

Definition

A process that sustains its own temperature and heat requirements through internal chemical reactions, rather than relying on an external heat source.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'autos' meaning 'self' and 'thermos' meaning 'hot' or 'heat', describing systems that generate their own necessary warmth.

In the news

The article describes an 'autothermal' heating method for hydrogen production, which uses internal combustion within the reactor to achieve better efficiency.

New process boosts clean hydrogen production

Read the full article ↗

Stanford Report

Related words

graphitization

The process of converting carbonaceous material into graphite, specifically the…

Science

pyrolysis

A chemical decomposition process that uses heat in the absence of oxygen to break down…

Science

alluvial

Relating to or consisting of clay, silt, sand, or gravel deposited by flowing water,…

Science

apicomplexan

Belonging to a large phylum of parasitic protozoa that possess a unique apical complex…

Science

borewell

A narrow hole or shaft drilled into the ground to access water from an underground…

Science

bycatch

The unintentional or accidental capture of non-target marine species, such as seabirds,…

Science

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.