catalytic
/,kætə'litik/ Cách viết khác : (catalytical) /,kætə'litik/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
AdjectiveRelating to, causing, or involving catalysis. Catalysis is the process of increasing the rate of a chemical reaction by adding a substance (a catalyst) that is not consumed in the reaction.
Usage
The adjective "catalytic" is used to describe something that causes or relates to a significant change or acceleration of a process, often by initiating or facilitating it without being fundamentally altered itself. It is most commonly used in scientific contexts (chemistry, biochemistry) but can also be used metaphorically.
Examples
- The catalytic converter in a car uses precious metals to reduce harmful emissions.
- Enzymes have a catalytic function in biological systems, speeding up metabolic reactions.
- Her speech served as a catalytic event, inspiring a wave of community action.
- The discovery acted as a catalytic force for further scientific innovation.
Advanced Usage
- Catalytically (adverb): In a catalytic manner; by means of catalysis.
- The enzyme acts catalytically to break down the substrate.
- Metaphorical Use: Describing a person, event, or idea that triggers a significant change or series of events.
- The economic crisis was the catalytic moment for political reform.
Variants and Related Words
- Catalyst (noun): The substance or agent that causes catalysis. In a broader sense, a person or thing that precipitates an event or change.
- Platinum is a catalyst in many industrial processes. She was the catalyst for the team's success.
- Catalyze (verb): To cause or accelerate a reaction or process by acting as a catalyst.
- The new policy aimed to catalyze economic growth.
- Catalysis (noun): The process or action of catalysis.
- The reaction proceeds via acid catalysis.
Synonyms
- Stimulative: Tending to stimulate or incite activity.
- Triggering: Causing something to happen.
- Facilitative: Making an action or process easier.
- Accelerative: Increasing the speed or rate of something.
Antonyms
- Inhibitory: Tending to slow down or prevent a process.
- Retarding: Delaying or holding back progress.
- Suppressive: Tending to suppress or stop activity.
Adjective
- relating to or causing or involving catalysis
- catalytic reactions