catalytic

adjective

cat·​a·​lyt·​ic ˌka-tə-ˈli-tik 

: causing, involving, or relating to catalysis

catalytically

ˌka-tə-ˈli-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of catalytic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The catalytic filter takes formaldehyde particles and breaks them down into carbon dioxide and water molecules. —PC Magazine, 15 May 2025

These remedies are considered more catalytic and fast-acting, supporting emotional strength, spiritual growth, and clarity in facing modern challenges. —Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025

Williams also played a catalytic role in the Yankees changing their decades-old facial hair policy in the spring. —Gary Phillips, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2025

That stretch has also seen Williams play a catalytic role in the Yankees changing their decades-old facial hair policy; become a first-time father; talk his way through a few testy postgame scrums; and get off to the worst start of his career. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing catalytic

• catalytic converter
• catalytic cracker

Rhymes for catalytic

• analytic
• anxiolytic
• astrocytic
• austenitic
• cytolytic
• dioritic
• diphtheritic
• dolomitic
• endophytic
• epiphytic
• glauconitic
• glycolytic

Kids Definition

catalytic

adjective

cat·​a·​lyt·​ic ˌkat-ᵊl-ˈit-ik 

: causing, involving, or relating to catalysis

the catalytic action of an enzyme

Medical Definition

catalytic

adjective

cat·​a·​lyt·​ic ˌkat-ᵊl-ˈit-ik 

: causing, involving, or relating to catalysis

a catalytic reaction

catalytically

-ˈit-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb