What does the term "endothermic" mean?

The term "endothermic" is defined as a type of chemical reaction or process that absorbs heat from its surroundings. This occurs when the energy required to break bonds in the reactants is greater than the energy released when new bonds are formed in the products. As a result, the overall effect is a decrease in the temperature of the surroundings, which is why these reactions feel cold to the touch.

In essence, an endothermic reaction requires energy input, typically in the form of heat, to proceed. This is in contrast to exothermic reactions, which release heat and result in an increase in the temperature of the surroundings. Understanding endothermic processes is crucial in fields such as thermodynamics, chemistry, and various applications in physical sciences.