catalytic

adjective

cat·​a·​lyt·​ic ˌka-tə-ˈli-tik 

: causing, involving, or relating to catalysis

catalytically

ˌka-tə-ˈli-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of catalytic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These remedies are considered more catalytic and fast-acting, supporting emotional strength, spiritual growth, and clarity in facing modern challenges. —Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025

Williams also played a catalytic role in the Yankees changing their decades-old facial hair policy in the spring. —Gary Phillips, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2025

That stretch has also seen Williams play a catalytic role in the Yankees changing their decades-old facial hair policy; become a first-time father; talk his way through a few testy postgame scrums; and get off to the worst start of his career. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2025

And another is a growing demand for and supply of catalytic capital. —Anne Field, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing catalytic

• catalytic converter
• catalytic cracker

Rhymes for catalytic

• analytic
• anxiolytic
• astrocytic
• austenitic
• cytolytic
• dioritic
• diphtheritic
• dolomitic
• endophytic
• epiphytic
• glauconitic
• glycolytic

Kids Definition

catalytic

adjective

cat·​a·​lyt·​ic ˌkat-ᵊl-ˈit-ik 

: causing, involving, or relating to catalysis

the catalytic action of an enzyme

Medical Definition

catalytic

adjective

cat·​a·​lyt·​ic ˌkat-ᵊl-ˈit-ik 

: causing, involving, or relating to catalysis

a catalytic reaction

catalytically

-ˈit-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb