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 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 Traditional catalysis has relied on the use of metals and enzymes. Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2021 List and MacMillan, working independently, developed a new kind of catalysis, called organocatalysis, which uses small, organic molecules that allows the process to be cheaper and better for the environment than the traditional methods. Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2021 The Nobel panel said List and MacMillan in 2000 independently developed a new way of catalysis. BostonGlobe.com, 6 Oct. 2021 In a new evaluation run by the U.S. Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory, NuScale’s nuclear module performed effective catalysis for hydrogen. Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, 14 Dec. 2020 At the surface Where the SrTiO3 tends to fall short is in the catalysis. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 27 May 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'catalysis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 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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