1. in a manner that releases heat energy to the surroundings; in a way characteristic of an exothermic reaction or process
Usage: chemistry and physics term; commonly used in scientific and educational contexts

Examples

• The combustion of gasoline occurs exothermically, releasing significant energy.
• When sodium reacts with water exothermically, the reaction produces heat and light.
• The neutralization of a strong acid and base proceeds exothermically.
• Iron rusts exothermically, though the heat released is usually minimal.
• The explosion happened exothermically, with temperatures rising rapidly.