catalytic

adjective

cat·​a·​lyt·​ic ˌka-tə-ˈli-tik How to pronounce catalytic (audio)
: causing, involving, or relating to catalysis
catalytically adverb

Examples of catalytic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The kinase domain – the Pac-Man – is the catalytic center where the protein does its main job: adding a phosphate group to its target to control its activity. Priyanka Naik, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2025 CDFIs play a catalytic role in strengthening rural ecosystems. Kevin Cohee, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 Unlike the typical backpacking canister stove that heats via an open flame – often heavily protected by a windscreen of some sort, but an open flame, nonetheless – the Ulti uses a catalytic combustion process that produces infrared radiation without a flame rising out of the burner body. New Atlas, 25 Jan. 2025 The catalytic agent, Dr. Leah Barlow—a professor at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T)—kicked off a movement with her intro to African American studies series, opening the flood gates for other educators to follow suit. Jasmine Browley, Essence, 31 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for catalytic

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of catalytic was in 1836

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Cite this Entry

“Catalytic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catalytic. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

catalytic

adjective
cat·​a·​lyt·​ic ˌkat-ᵊl-ˈit-ik How to pronounce catalytic (audio)
: causing, involving, or relating to catalysis
the catalytic action of an enzyme

Medical Definition

catalytic

adjective
cat·​a·​lyt·​ic ˌkat-ᵊl-ˈit-ik How to pronounce catalytic (audio)
: causing, involving, or relating to catalysis
a catalytic reaction
catalytically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on catalytic

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