Endothermic refers to a process or reaction that absorbs heat from its surroundings. This means that when an endothermic reaction occurs, it takes in energy, often resulting in a temperature drop in the environment. Common examples include the melting of ice and the process of photosynthesis in plants, where they absorb sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose. In chemistry, endothermic reactions are often contrasted with exothermic reactions, which release heat. The term is derived from the Greek words "endo," meaning "inside," and "thermic," meaning "heat." Understanding endothermic processes is essential in fields like thermodynamics and environmental science.