Which term describes a reaction that absorbs heat from its surroundings?

The term that describes a reaction that absorbs heat from its surroundings is "endothermic." In an endothermic reaction, energy is required for the reaction to proceed, and this energy typically comes from the heat in the environment surrounding the reactants. As a result, the surroundings may feel cooler as heat is drawn in to facilitate the chemical transformation.

Endothermic processes are common in many biological and chemical contexts, such as photosynthesis, where plants absorb sunlight (a form of energy) to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

In contrast, "exothermic" refers to reactions that release heat, thereby warming the surroundings. "Isothermal" describes a process occurring at constant temperature, which does not specifically refer to heat absorption or release. "Adiabatic" pertains to processes where no heat is exchanged with the surroundings, again not specifically indicating whether heat is absorbed or released. Hence, endothermic is the appropriate term for reactions that absorb heat.