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Catalyze: meaning, definitions and examples

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catalyze

 

[ ˈkætəlaɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

chemical reaction

To catalyze means to cause or accelerate a chemical reaction by the addition of a substance known as a catalyst. Catalysts increase the rate of reaction without being consumed in the process, allowing the reaction to occur more efficiently and often at lower temperatures.

Synonyms

accelerate, facilitate, trigger

Examples of usage

  • The enzyme can catalyze the breakdown of glucose.
  • Heat and pressure can catalyze the formation of new compounds.
  • The new material was designed to catalyze reactions in a more efficient way.

Translations

Translations of the word "catalyze" in other languages:

🇵🇹 catalisar

🇮🇳 उत्तेजित करना

🇩🇪 katalysieren

🇮🇩 mengatalisasi

🇺🇦 каталізувати

🇵🇱 katalizować

🇯🇵 触発する

🇫🇷 catalyser

🇪🇸 catalizar

🇹🇷 katalize etmek

🇰🇷 촉진하다

🇸🇦 تحفيز

🇨🇿 katalyzovat

🇸🇰 katalyzovať

🇨🇳 催化

🇸🇮 katalizirati

🇮🇸 katalýsera

🇰🇿 катализдеу

🇬🇪 კატალიზება

🇦🇿 kataliz etmək

🇲🇽 catalizar

Etymology

The word 'catalyze' originated from the Greek word 'katalusis', meaning 'a loosening down'. It was first used in scientific contexts in the early 19th century, particularly in chemistry, to describe the role of certain substances that speed up reactions. The term was further popularized by the French chemist Antoine Lavoisier, who contributed significantly to the understanding of chemical reactions and the role of catalysts. Over time, 'catalyze' has evolved, finding applications not only in chemistry but also in various fields such as biology and social sciences, where it describes how one event or action can precipitate or influence another.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,001, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.