autocatalytic

adjective

au·​to·​cat·​a·​lyt·​ic ¦ȯ-(ˌ)tō-ˌka-tə-¦li-tik How to pronounce autocatalytic (audio)
: relating to or proceeding by autocatalysis

Word History

Etymology

from New Latin autocatalysis, after New Latin catalysis: English catalytic

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of autocatalytic was in 1901

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Cite this Entry

“Autocatalytic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autocatalytic. Accessed 20 Dec. 2025.

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