Definition of "Thermolabile"
Thermolabile is an adjective used in fields like chemistry, physics, and biology. It describes substances or materials that are easily changed, damaged, or destroyed when exposed to heat.
Usage Instructions
How to Use: You can use "thermolabile" to talk about anything that can be affected by heat, like certain chemicals, enzymes, or biological samples. It is often used in scientific contexts.
Example
Simple: "The enzyme is thermolabile, so it loses its effectiveness if heated above 37 degrees Celsius."
More Complex: "In the laboratory, we must handle thermolabile substances carefully to prevent them from degrading due to high temperatures."
Advanced Usage
In scientific research, you might say, "Thermolabile compounds must be stored at low temperatures to maintain their stability and functionality."
In discussions about pharmaceuticals, one could mention, "Many vaccines contain thermolabile components that require refrigeration to preserve their efficacy."
Word Variants
Thermolability (noun): The quality of being thermolabile. For example: "The thermolability of this protein makes it unsuitable for storage at room temperature."
Thermally (adverb): Related to heat. For example: "The sample must be thermally protected during transport."
Different Meanings
While "thermolabile" primarily refers to sensitivity to heat, it can also imply instability in other contexts, such as in biological systems or chemical reactions.
Synonyms
Heat-sensitive
Heat-labile
Temperature-sensitive
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs
There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include "thermolabile," as it is a technical term mostly used in scientific discussions. However, you may encounter phrases like "sensitive to heat," which conveys a similar meaning in a more general way.
Summary
In summary, "thermolabile" is a term that describes substances that can be easily affected by heat.