Definition of catalysis

< catalpa

catalyst >

ca·tal·y·sis    (k-tl-ss) KEY 

NOUN:
pl. ca·tal·y·ses  (-sz) KEY 

The action of a catalyst, especially an increase in the rate of a chemical reaction.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Greek katalusis, dissolution, from katalein, to dissolve : kata-, intensive pref. ; see cata- + lein, to loosen; see leu- in Indo-European roots