Thermolabile is a scientific term used to describe a substance that is easily destroyed by heat. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), which breaks down the pronunciation of each syllable. The first syllable, "thermo," is pronounced /ˈθɜrməʊ/, with the stress on the first syllable. The second syllable, "labile," is pronounced /ˈleɪbəl/, with the stress on the second syllable. When combined, the word is pronounced /ˌθɜrməʊˈleɪbəl/. Spelling and understanding scientific terms can be assisted by breaking down the pronunciation using the IPA.
Thermolabile is an adjective that describes a substance or compound that is sensitive or easily decomposed by heat. Derived from the Greek words "thermo" meaning heat and "labilis" meaning liable to fall, thermolabile refers to the inherent nature of a substance to undergo chemical changes or decomposition when exposed to high temperatures.
In various scientific fields such as chemistry, biochemistry, and medicine, thermolabile substances play a significant role. For instance, in the pharmaceutical industry, this term is commonly used to describe drugs or pharmaceutical compounds that become ineffective or potentially harmful when exposed to heat. It is crucial to handle and store such medications with caution, ensuring that they are kept at specified temperature ranges to maintain their stability and effectiveness.
Similarly, in laboratory settings, researchers and technicians often deal with thermolabile compounds, which require special care during handling, storage, and transport. Furthermore, thermolabile enzymes, proteins, or nucleic acids commonly encountered in biological samples can lose their biological activity or structural integrity if exposed to high temperatures, affecting the accuracy and reliability of experimental results.
Overall, the term thermolabile is employed across various scientific disciplines to characterize substances that are susceptible to changes in their chemical or physical properties when subjected to heat, emphasizing the need for careful handling and appropriate temperature control to avoid unwanted alterations or degradation.
Subject to alteration or destruction by heat.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "thermolabile" is derived from two root words: "thermo-" and "labilis".
1. "Thermo-" is derived from the Greek word "thermos", meaning "heat" or "hot". It is commonly used as a prefix in scientific terms to indicate a relation to heat or temperature.
2. "Labilis" is the Latin word for "liable" or "able to be affected". It is derived from the root "lab-" meaning "to slip" or "to fall".
Combining these two roots, the word "thermolabile" was formed. It refers to something that is sensitive or unstable when exposed to heat or changes in temperature.