catalytic

adjective

cat·​a·​lyt·​ic ˌka-tə-ˈli-tik How to pronounce catalytic (audio)
: causing, involving, or relating to catalysis
catalytically adverb

Examples of catalytic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The researchers estimate that the square lattice gold surface is as active as common catalytic metals, such as platinum. Chris Lee, ArsTechnica, 9 June 2026 After finding that this worked—albeit with low catalytic activity—the researchers then made two amino acid changes to the enzyme, creating mutations that turned it into a peroxygenase driven by hydrogen peroxide. Sarah Jones, Footwear News, 5 June 2026 According to the researchers, this interface is the key to the material’s exceptional catalytic performance. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 3 June 2026 From his standpoint, properly framing the intensity of the problem can become catalytic. Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for catalytic

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of catalytic was in 1836

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Cite this Entry

“Catalytic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catalytic. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

catalytic

adjective
cat·​a·​lyt·​ic ˌkat-ᵊl-ˈit-ik How to pronounce catalytic (audio)
: causing, involving, or relating to catalysis
the catalytic action of an enzyme

Medical Definition

catalytic

adjective
cat·​a·​lyt·​ic ˌkat-ᵊl-ˈit-ik How to pronounce catalytic (audio)
: causing, involving, or relating to catalysis
a catalytic reaction
catalytically adverb

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