catalysis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “catalysis” mean?
The acceleration of a chemical reaction by a catalyst.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The acceleration of a chemical reaction by a catalyst.
The process of causing or accelerating a significant change, event, or reaction without being consumed in the process; a facilitating or triggering action in non-chemical contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Pronunciation differs (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical technical and metaphorical connotations.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both varieties, used almost exclusively in scientific and academic registers.
Grammar
How to Use “catalysis” in a Sentence
The catalysis of [PROCESS/REACTION] by [CATALYST][CATALYST] facilitates the catalysis of [REACTION]Catalysis occurs in the presence of [AGENT]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “catalysis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The enzyme catalyses the hydrolysis of the substrate.
- Platinum is used to catalyse the oxidation reaction.
American English
- The enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of the substrate.
- Platinum is used to catalyze the oxidation reaction.
adverb
British English
- The compound acts catalytically.
- The group functioned catalytically to bring factions together.
American English
- The enzyme works catalytically.
- The funding acted catalytically to spur development.
adjective
British English
- The catalytic converter reduces harmful emissions.
- She played a catalytic role in the negotiations.
American English
- The catalytic converter reduces harmful emissions.
- Her speech had a catalytic effect on the movement.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Used metaphorically: 'The new policy served as a catalysis for market innovation.'
Academic
Common in chemistry, biochemistry, and chemical engineering papers. Also used metaphorically in social sciences.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Unlikely to be used in casual conversation.
Technical
Core term in chemistry and related fields, with precise meaning.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “catalysis”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “catalysis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “catalysis”
- Mispronouncing as 'cata-LY-sis' (correct: 'ca-TAL-y-sis'). Using 'catalysis' to mean the catalyst itself (the substance). Confusing with 'analysis'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'catalyst' is the substance or agent that causes the acceleration. 'Catalysis' is the process or phenomenon of acceleration itself.
Yes, it is commonly used as a metaphor in social, political, and business contexts to describe an event or person that triggers significant change without being the main cause.
Typically, it is an uncountable/mass noun (e.g., 'the catalysis of a reaction'). You would not say 'a catalysis' or 'two catalyses' in standard usage.
To catalyse (UK) or catalyze (US). It means to cause or accelerate a reaction or process.
The acceleration of a chemical reaction by a catalyst.
Catalysis is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Catalysis: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈtæləsɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈtæləsɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Something] acted as a catalysis for change.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CAT and a LYSIS (breaking apart). A CATalyst helps break apart molecules (or situations) faster.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CATALYST IS A FACILITATOR / A SPARK IS A CATALYST FOR FIRE
Practice
Quiz
In a metaphorical sense, 'catalysis' most closely means: