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Glite Dictionary
exergonic

exergonic

9.9
A process that releases energy, for example in cells
  • adjective
  • /ˌɛksərˈɡɒnɪk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : exergónico
  • We would call this an exergonic reaction because we're releasing energy in the in the transformation.

Examples

  • During cellular respiration, glucose undergoes an exergonic reaction, releasing energy that the cell uses to function.

  • Chemical reactions can be exergonic, but they may not proceed spontaneously.

  • The breakdown of ATP into ADP is an exergonic process that provides energy for various cellular activities.

  • Many exergonic chemical reactions are important in metabolism because they release energy that drives biological functions.

Synonyms

exothermic
vsexergonic
  • Specialized
3 6.5

A chemical reaction that gives off heat

covers energy release broadly, not only as heat
energy-releasing
vsexergonic
  • Specialized
1 4.1

A process that gives off energy, for example burning or digestion

is specific to processes in living organisms rather than any process
exothermal
vsexergonic
  • Specialized
1 8.2

Giving out heat during a chemical reaction

is about energy release generally, not limited to heat
exoergic
vsexergonic
  • Specialized
9.9

Releasing energy in a chemical or nuclear reaction

applies to reactions in living systems rather than nuclear ones

Antonyms

endergonic
  • Specialized
9.9

A chemical reaction that needs energy because the things made have more energy than the ones you start with

How Energy-Releasing

exergonic
  • Specialized
9.9
endergonic
  • Specialized
9.9

Surface Forms

exergonic positive

Morphology

exergonic = ex + ergon + ic

The term is built from scientific combining forms (ex- 'out' + ergon 'work') which transparently signal 'releasing work/energy' to those familiar with such morphology, but these morphemes are not common knowledge for average B1 learners.

Etymology

Exergonic comes from the parts ex- meaning 'out' and ergon meaning 'work', the same root as energy. So an exergonic process is one where 'work' or energy goes 'out' and the reaction releases energy.