thermolabile

9.9

Easily changes or breaks down when heated

adjective
/ˌθɜrməˈleɪbaɪl/

Specialized

: termo-lábil

This enzyme is thermolabile and loses its activity quickly at temperatures above 40°C.

Examples

Many vitamins are thermolabile, which means they can be destroyed during cooking.
Many enzymes are thermolabile and lose activity when heated.
A thermolabile compound must be stored at low temperatures to maintain its effectiveness.
The protein is thermolabile and must be stored at low temperatures.
Many vitamins are thermolabile, which means they can be destroyed during cooking.
This enzyme is thermolabile and loses its activity quickly at temperatures above 40°C.
A thermolabile compound must be stored at low temperatures to maintain its effectiveness.

Synonyms

thermosensitive

vsthermolabile

Specialized

6.9

To react to changes in temperature

is easily altered or destroyed by heat rather than simply reacting

Antonyms

thermostable

Specialized

6.7

Able to stay the same at high temperatures

How Heat-Sensitive

thermolabile

Specialized

9.9

thermosensitive

Specialized

6.9

thermostability

Specialized

7.7

heatproof

1 3.5

Surface Forms

thermolabile positive

Morphology

thermolabile = labile (semi-transparent) = thermo + labile

The word is clearly built from the scientific prefix 'thermo-' plus 'labile', but the whole term is specialized and may not be fully recoverable for many learners.

Etymology

The word thermolabile combines thermo- meaning 'heat' (as in thermal) and -labile meaning 'easily changed' or 'unstable'. So thermolabile describes something that is easily altered or destroyed by heat.