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The text in the image is a definition of pyrolysis. Here is the transcription of the handwritten note:

"Pyrolysis is a thermochemical decomposition of organic material at elevated temperatures in the absence of oxygen (or any halogen). It involves the simultaneous change of chemical composition and physical phase, and is irreversible. The word is coined from two Greek elements: pyro 'fire' and lysis 'separating'."

Breakdown of the Definition:

1. What is it? It is a process that breaks down organic materials using heat (thermochemical decomposition).
2. Key Condition: It happens without oxygen. If oxygen were present, the material would just burn (combustion).
3. What happens? The material changes both chemically (its molecules break apart) and physically (it might turn from solid to gas or liquid). This change cannot be reversed.
4. Word Origin:
* Pyro: Greek for "fire" or "heat".
* Lysis: Greek for "breaking apart" or "separating".

Simple Example:

Think about making charcoal from wood. If you heat wood in a sealed container where no air can get in, it doesn't catch fire. Instead, it turns black and becomes charcoal, while releasing gases and liquids (like tar). This process is pyrolysis.

Final Answer:
The text defines pyrolysis as the thermochemical decomposition of organic material at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen. It is an irreversible process involving changes in both chemical composition and physical phase. The term comes from the Greek words *pyro* (fire) and *lysis* (separating).