energy-releasing

Thân thiện

A nuclear reactor uses an energy-releasing reaction to generate power.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to catabolism: Describes a biochemical process that breaks down complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy in the process.
   • Releasing energy: Describes a nuclear reaction that occurs with the net release or evolution of energy.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The energy-releasing phase of metabolism provides fuel for cellular activities.
  • Nuclear fusion is an energy-releasing reaction that powers the sun.

Advanced Usage

• In biochemistry: Used to describe metabolic pathways, such as cellular respiration, where nutrients are broken down.
  • Glycolysis is an energy-releasing process that occurs in the cytoplasm.
• In physics/nuclear science: Used to characterize exothermic nuclear reactions like fusion or fission.
  • Scientists are researching controlled energy-releasing fusion for clean power generation.

Variants and Related Words

• Exergonic (adj): (In chemistry and biochemistry) A more technical synonym for a process that releases free energy.
• Catabolic (adj): Specifically relating to the breakdown of complex substances in living organisms to release energy.

Synonyms

• Exothermic: (Primarily in chemistry) Releasing heat energy.
• Exoergic: (In physics) Releasing energy, especially in nuclear reactions.

Notes on Meaning

• The first meaning is specific to biology and biochemistry, relating to the breakdown of molecules.
• The second meaning is specific to physics and nuclear chemistry, relating to reactions where the products have less mass/binding energy than the reactants, resulting in a net energy output.
• It is a technical, compound adjective primarily used in scientific contexts.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. of or relating to catabolism
2. (of a nuclear reaction) occurring with evolution or releasing of energy

Từ đồng nghĩa

• destructive-metabolic
• energy-releasing
• exoergic