1. releasing heat during a chemical reaction or physical process
Usage: chemistry; physics

Examples

• The combustion of gasoline is an exothermic reaction that powers car engines.
• When sodium reacts with water, it produces an exothermic reaction that generates heat.
• The hand warmers contain chemicals that undergo an exothermic process when activated.
• Crystallization can be an exothermic process, releasing energy as heat.
• The exothermic reaction made the test tube warm to the touch.
• Respiration is an exothermic process that releases energy from food molecules.