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Dictionary: Catalytic

Catalytic

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˌkatəˈlɪtɪk/

Definitions

  1. Relating to or involving a catalyst, especially in a chemical reaction.
  2. Having the ability to cause or accelerate a change or reaction.

Usage Examples

  • The enzyme has a catalytic effect on the reaction, speeding it up significantly.
  • Her leadership was catalytic in uniting the community and bringing about change.

Etymology

From Greek "katalysis," meaning "dissolution" or "loosening," derived from "kata-" (down) and "lysis" (loosening or dissolution), with the suffix "-ic" to form the adjective, denoting something related to or having the properties of a catalyst.

Synonyms

  • Activating
  • Accelerating
  • Stimulating
  • Triggering

Antonyms

  • Inhibitory
  • Detrimental
  • Restricting

Translations

Language Translation Pronunciation
Spanish Catalítico ka-ta-lee-tee-ko
French Catalytique ka-ta-lee-teek
German Katalytisch ka-ta-loo-tish
Italian Catalitico ka-ta-lee-tee-ko
Portuguese Catalítico ka-ta-lee-tee-ko
Russian Каталитический ka-ta-lee-tees-kee
Hindi उत्प्रेरक ut-pre-rak
Marathi उत्प्रेरक ut-pre-rak
Bengali উৎসাহক ut-shahok
Tamil தூண்டி thoondi
Telugu ప్రేరకం prerakam
Arabic محفز muhafiz
Chinese 催化的 cuī huà de
Japanese 触媒の shokubai no

Regional Pronunciation Variations

  • In British English: /ˌkatəˈlɪtɪk/
  • In American English: /ˌkatəˈlɪtɪk/

Historical Usage

The term "catalytic" is derived from the concept of a catalyst in chemistry, first introduced in the early 19th century. It has since been widely adopted in various fields to describe something that accelerates or triggers significant changes. In industrial chemistry, catalytic processes are essential for refining and manufacturing a wide range of chemicals and materials. The term is now used metaphorically to describe people, events, or forces that spark change in social, political, and economic contexts.

Cultural Nuances

The word "catalytic" often carries a sense of positive change or progression. It can refer to a force that initiates a shift toward improvement or innovation. In social movements, a "catalytic" event or person is one that helps catalyze action, leading to collective growth or societal transformation. The idea of a catalytic person or event is commonly used in political and cultural contexts to describe figures or events that lead to large-scale reforms or revolutions.

More Information

The term "catalytic" is most commonly used in scientific contexts to describe substances or processes that trigger a reaction or accelerate a change without themselves being consumed. Catalytic reactions are foundational to many industrial processes, such as petroleum refining, chemical production, and environmental cleanup. Outside of chemistry, the concept of being "catalytic" has broadened to include people or actions that instigate or accelerate significant shifts or transformations in society, technology, or politics.

Catalytic processes are essential in energy production, as they help reduce the energy needed for reactions, making them more efficient. Similarly, catalytic leadership or action in the political or social sphere can expedite changes that lead to improved conditions or societal progress.

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