Definition

To break down or change a material by applying heat without oxygen, causing it to decompose.

Example

The waste was pyrolysed to convert it into useful energy.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the process called pyrolyse?

Yeah, it's when you heat something to break it down, right?

Exactly! I read that it's used for recycling waste materials.

That's interesting! I wonder how effective it really is.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pyrolyse → It is formed from "pyro-" (from Greek "pur", meaning fire) and "lyse" (from Greek "lysis", meaning to break down or dissolve). The word describes the process of breaking down materials using heat or fire.

Memory Tip

Think of 'fire' ('pyro-') breaking things down ('lyse') — that's why pyrolyse means to break down substances using heat.

Visually Confused Words