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 gas company will apply its energy-efficient catalytic methanation technology and engineering expertise to refine the new facility’s equipment design, in order to further optimize the production process. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 27 Feb. 2026

With a disciplined curriculum, the organization provides structured training, powered by small but catalytic capital and hands-on coaching. —Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026

In highly technical roles, the market prioritizes domain depth—such as liposome technologies or catalytic reactor techniques—over general management strategy. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026

This is the Big Bang moment of actor-director Bradly Cooper’s Is This Thing On?, the catalytic event that will help this middle-aged gentleman get his groove back. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 19 Dec. 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