Word
catalysis
Phoneticscatal·y·sis
UK/kætˈæləsˌɪs/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the process of making a chemical reaction happen faster by using a special substance. This substance, called a catalyst, stays the same after the reaction is done.
n. the acceleration of a chemical reaction by a substance that is not consumed in the process. Often involves the lowering of the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed.
Examples
“The catalysis of the reaction makes the process much faster.”
“In industrial chemistry, catalysis is essential for producing fuels and plastics efficiently without excessive heat.”
“The study of enzymatic catalysis has provided profound insights into how biological systems manage to perform complex chemical transformations at room temperature with remarkable specificity.”
Examples
simple
“The catalysis of the reaction makes the process much faster.”
contextual
“In industrial chemistry, catalysis is essential for producing fuels and plastics efficiently without excessive heat.”
complex
“The study of enzymatic catalysis has provided profound insights into how biological systems manage to perform complex chemical transformations at room temperature with remarkable specificity.”
Real-World Examples
“The effect appeared to depend on active enzyme catalysis, not merely on the ingredients of the reaction," said Nividha.” “The metallic Ni observed after a reaction may simply form when nickel oxide is reduced by syngas at high temperatures, rather than representing the species that actually performs the catalysis.” Etymology
From Ancient Greek κατάλυσις (katálusis, “dissolution”), from καταλύω (katalúō, “I dissolve”), from κατά (katá, “down”) + λύω (lúō, “I loose”). By surface analysis, cata- + -lysis.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/catalysis