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

Rick Robinson, the vice president and general manager of AARP’s AgeTech Collaborative™, which supports and accelerates startups at the cutting edge of artificial intelligence and caregiving, illustrates the catalytic potential clearly. —Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 5 Nov. 2025

Minerals can mix with organic matter, ions, or even change their crystal form, altering their catalytic abilities. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2025

With catalytic support, Nitricity proved its first plant viable and attracted mainstream capital. —Melissa Jun Rowley, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025

Heroes for Humanity, launched in 2021 with a catalytic gift from SP Hinduja Bank Privée, hires and trains trusted local residents to deliver screenings, run help desks, lead health and hygiene sessions, and coach neighbors into livelihood pathways. —Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 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