[f. THERMO- + Gr. λύσις loosing, solution, etc., after Ger. thermolyse (F. Mohr, 1874).]
1. Chem. The separation of a compound into its elements by the action of heat; decomposition or dissociation by heat.
1875. Watts, Dict. Chem., VII. 636. Decomposition by heat, Dissociation—Thermolysis (F. Mohr, Ann. Ch. Pharm. clxxi. 361). Ibid., 637. An essential condition of thermolysis is that the constituents of the compound shall, in combining, have given out heat.
1884. A. Daniell, Princ. Physics, xiii. 319. The heat … has the effect of throwing the molecule into such agitation that the mutual affinity of the atoms cannot retain them in union. This is the process of Dissociation or Thermolysis.
2. Physiol. The dissipation or dispersion of heat from the body.
1896. Allbutt’s Syst. Med., I. 143 [see THERMOGENESIS]. Ibid., 159. In Dr. Macalister’s … Goulstonian Lectures on Fever it is suggested that thermogenesis, thermolysis, and thermotaxis must be regarded as three separate functions of the nervous system.
1899. Syd. Soc. Lex., Thermolysis, the dissipation of heat.
Hence Thermolytic a., pertaining to or producing thermolysis; sb. a thermolytic agent or substance; Thermolyse, -yze v., trans. to subject to thermolysis; to decompose by the action of heat.
1890. Billings, Nat. Med. Dict., Thermolytic, heat-discharging.
1896. Allbutt’s Syst. Med., I. 150. Able to influence ‘thermolytic’ or thermogenetic processes.
1891. Cent. Dict., Thermolyze.
1899. Syd. Soc. Lex., Thermolytic,… [also] an agent promoting the discharge of heat from the body.
