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catalysis

(kə tal′ə sis)

the speeding up or, sometimes, slowing down of the rate of a chemical reaction caused by the addition of some substance that does not undergo a permanent chemical change

Origin: ModL < Gr katalysis, dissolution: see cata- & -lysis

See catalysis in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. ca·tal·y·ses (-sēzˌ)

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

Origin:

Origin: Greek katalusis, dissolution

Origin: , from katalūein, to dissolve

Origin: : kata-, intensive pref.; see cata-

Origin: + lūein, to loosen; see leu- in Indo-European roots

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