catalysis

noun

ca·​tal·​y·​sis kə-ˈta-lə-səs How to pronounce catalysis (audio)
plural catalyses kə-ˈta-lə-ˌsēz How to pronounce catalysis (audio)
: a modification and especially increase in the rate of a chemical reaction induced by material unchanged chemically at the end of the reaction

Examples of catalysis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Related Stories This isn’t a novel concept; carbon-to-cellulose can be accomplished through traditional processes like fermentation or chemical catalysis. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019 Furthermore, this method yields three times more product than fermentation and uses fewer resources than chemical catalysis. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019 Most of the brand’s formulas include the signature Biotech Complex, made with bio-fermentation, enzymatic catalysis and plant cell culture technologies. Jennifer Weil, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019 Unlike other techniques that require catalysis, this process itself doesn’t require energy – that said, regenerating them via pyrolosis could be a sticking point. Michael Irving, New Atlas, 4 Aug. 2024 Every year, Pluto begins its five- to six-month-long retrograde that catalyses renewal, regeneration, and rebirth. Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 2 May 2024 Researchers are still exploring additional applications for these nanoparticles in quantum computing and communications, flexible electronics, sensors, efficient solar cells, and catalysis for solar fuels. Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 4 Oct. 2023 More than 90 percent of all industrial-chemical processes depend on catalysis. IEEE Spectrum, 8 Mar. 2023 Thanks to the catalytic converter in their cars, most people have an idea of what catalysis is. IEEE Spectrum, 8 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Greek katalysis dissolution, from katalyein to dissolve, from kata- + lyein to dissolve, release — more at lose

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of catalysis was in 1836

Dictionary Entries Near catalysis

Cite this Entry

“Catalysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catalysis. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

catalysis

noun
ca·​tal·​y·​sis kə-ˈtal-ə-səs How to pronounce catalysis (audio)
: the change and especially increase in the rate of a chemical reaction caused by a catalyst

Medical Definition

catalysis

noun
ca·​tal·​y·​sis kə-ˈtal-ə-səs How to pronounce catalysis (audio)
plural catalyses -ˌsēz How to pronounce catalysis (audio)
: a change and especially increase in the rate of a chemical reaction induced by a catalyst

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