catalytic

adjective

cat·​a·​lyt·​ic ˌka-tə-ˈli-tik 

: causing, involving, or relating to catalysis

catalytically

ˌka-tə-ˈli-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of catalytic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Proteins are composed of only 20 amino acids, any of which could be essential for structural integrity or catalytic activity. — ArsTechnica, 30 Sep. 2026

The study showed that adding synthetic, non-canonical amino acids called azatryptophans to plastic-degrading enzymes (PETases) can break the trade-off between catalytic activity and thermal stability. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 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

Some catalytic event—a Reichstag Fire analogue, or another January 6, or a bogus declassification purporting to show foreign hackers changing votes—could be used to manufacture a phony rationale for emergency action. — James Robenalt, Vanity Fair, 27 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing catalytic

• catalytic converter
• catalytic cracker

Rhymes for catalytic

• analytic
• anxiolytic
• astrocytic
• austenitic
• cytolytic
• dioritic
• diphtheritic
• dolomitic
• endophytic
• epiphytic
• glauconitic
• glycolytic

Kids Definition

catalytic

adjective

cat·​a·​lyt·​ic ˌkat-ᵊl-ˈit-ik 

: causing, involving, or relating to catalysis

the catalytic action of an enzyme

Medical Definition

catalytic

adjective

cat·​a·​lyt·​ic ˌkat-ᵊl-ˈit-ik 

: causing, involving, or relating to catalysis

a catalytic reaction

catalytically

-ˈit-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb