catalysis
noun
ca·tal·y·sis
kə-ˈta-lə-səs 
plural catalyses
kə-ˈta-lə-ˌsēz
: a modification and especially increase in the rate of a chemical reaction induced by material unchanged chemically at the end of the reaction
Examples of catalysis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Researchers tested this process, known as photothermal catalysis, in the laboratory using a simulant based on samples of lunar regolith returned to Earth by China's Chang'e 5 mission (the lunar samples are far too previous to destroy in such experiments, which is why a simulant is used instead).
—
Keith Cooper, Space.com, 17 July 2025
Adding more is easier said than done, because different pigments have different optimal conditions for catalysis.
—IEEE Spectrum, 21 Apr. 2010
Treatment protocols here are made-to-measure and use the brand’s products, which are created with bio-fermentation, enzymatic catalysis and plant cell culture technologies.
—Lily Templeton, WWD, 27 Jan. 2025
Related Stories This isn’t a novel concept; carbon-to-cellulose can be accomplished through traditional processes like fermentation or chemical catalysis.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019
Furthermore, this method yields three times more product than fermentation and uses fewer resources than chemical catalysis.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019
Most of the brand’s formulas include the signature Biotech Complex, made with bio-fermentation, enzymatic catalysis and plant cell culture technologies.
—Jennifer Weil, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019
Unlike other techniques that require catalysis, this process itself doesn’t require energy – that said, regenerating them via pyrolosis could be a sticking point.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 4 Aug. 2024
Every year, Pluto begins its five- to six-month-long retrograde that catalyses renewal, regeneration, and rebirth.
—Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 2 May 2024
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Keith Cooper, Space.com, 17 July 2025
Adding more is easier said than done, because different pigments have different optimal conditions for catalysis.
—IEEE Spectrum, 21 Apr. 2010
Treatment protocols here are made-to-measure and use the brand’s products, which are created with bio-fermentation, enzymatic catalysis and plant cell culture technologies.
—Lily Templeton, WWD, 27 Jan. 2025
Related Stories This isn’t a novel concept; carbon-to-cellulose can be accomplished through traditional processes like fermentation or chemical catalysis.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019
Furthermore, this method yields three times more product than fermentation and uses fewer resources than chemical catalysis.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019
Most of the brand’s formulas include the signature Biotech Complex, made with bio-fermentation, enzymatic catalysis and plant cell culture technologies.
—Jennifer Weil, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019
Unlike other techniques that require catalysis, this process itself doesn’t require energy – that said, regenerating them via pyrolosis could be a sticking point.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 4 Aug. 2024
Every year, Pluto begins its five- to six-month-long retrograde that catalyses renewal, regeneration, and rebirth.
—Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 2 May 2024
Cite this Entry
“Catalysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catalysis. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
catalysis
noun
ca·tal·y·sis
kə-ˈtal-ə-səs
: the change and especially increase in the rate of a chemical reaction caused by a catalyst
Medical Definition
catalysis
noun
ca·tal·y·sis
kə-ˈtal-ə-səs
plural catalyses
-ˌsēz
: a change and especially increase in the rate of a chemical reaction induced by a catalyst
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