catalytic

adjective

cat·​a·​lyt·​ic ˌka-tə-ˈli-tik How to pronounce catalytic (audio)
: causing, involving, or relating to catalysis
catalytically
ˌka-tə-ˈli-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce catalytic (audio)
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.
These results suggest the alloy’s changing surface can support sustained activity, addressing the difficulty of improving catalytic performance without compromising stability. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026 These had a much higher success rate, with 35 out of 38 showing some catalytic activity. — ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026 Showcasing the Alterra deal, the University of Colorado Denver project, and the Denver Pavilions purchase underscores the tremendous positive impact of DDDA’s strategic catalytic public investments. — Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 20 Sep. 2026 Sure, twenty-seven percent want catalytic financing for first-of-a-kind projects, while another 17% want pre-construction development capital. — Rob Day, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing catalytic

Rhymes for catalytic

See All Rhymes for catalytic

Browse Nearby Words

catalyte
catalytic
catalytic converter
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Catalytic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catalytic. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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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
-ˈit-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce catalytic (audio)
adverb
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