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.
In a world of dashboards and disruption, perhaps the most catalytic metric in business isn’t external at all. Carrie Anne Yu, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 The catalytic impact of this plant alone has produced more than $7 billion in follow-on manufacturing assets and thousands of high-paying jobs in this historically distressed region — again, at no cost to the U.S. taxpayer. Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 6 May 2025 The catalytic filter takes formaldehyde particles and breaks them down into carbon dioxide and water molecules. PC Magazine, 15 May 2025 These remedies are considered more catalytic and fast-acting, supporting emotional strength, spiritual growth, and clarity in facing modern challenges. Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 3 May 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 4 Jun. 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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