catalysis

noun

ca·​tal·​y·​sis kə-ˈta-lə-səs 

plural catalyses kə-ˈta-lə-ˌsēz 

: 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

These studies show just how intricate the details of surface chemistry and catalysis can be. — Chris Lee, ArsTechnica, 9 June 2026

What Northwestern has built is a soft molecular platform that integrates energy capture, energy storage, structural change, and catalysis into a single material. — New Atlas, 3 July 2026

The authors note that this outcome is counterintuitive, as it is generally assumed that reactions accelerate when more reactants can reach the catalyst more quickly, pointing instead to a more nuanced underlying principle governing nanoscale catalysis. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 3 May 2026

The national lab has a wide array of laboratories working within it, including sites focused on research in advanced optical materials, fuel synthesis catalysis, hydrogen safety sensor testing, renewable fuels and lubricants and solar radiation. — John Aguilar, Denver Post, 10 Feb. 2026

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

Kids Definition

catalysis

noun

ca·​tal·​y·​sis kə-ˈtal-ə-səs 

: 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 

plural catalyses -ˌsēz 

: a change and especially increase in the rate of a chemical reaction induced by a catalyst