GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found one definition

1.       
   Catalysis , n.; pl. Catalyse.  [ML., fr. Gr.  dissolution, fr.  to destroy, dissolve; κατά down, wholly +  to loose.] 
   1913 Webster
   Dissolution; degeneration; decay. [R.]
   1913 Webster
   Sad catalysis and declension of piety.
   Evelyn.
   
   1913 Webster
   (Chem.) (a) A process by which a chemical reaction is accelerated in the presence of certain agents which were formerly believed to exert an influence by mere contact. It is now believed that such reactions are attended with the formation of an intermediate compound or compounds, so that by alternate composition and decomposition the agent is apparently left unchanged; as, the catalysis of making ether from alcohol by means of sulphuric acid; or catalysis in the action of enzymes (as diastase, or ptyalin) on starch. (b) The catalytic force.
   1913 Webster
   +PJC