catalysis
UK[kəˈtæləsɪs]US[kəˈtæləsɪs]
n
the process of causing or accelerating a chemical reaction by means of a substance which itself remains unchanged at the end of the reaction.
n
the action or process of causing a change or event.
Morpheme Breakdown
cata
lysis
cata
down, thoroughly
lysis
loosening, dissolution
Etymology
the word 'catalysis' entered english in the mid-17th century via modern latin, directly from the greek 'katalusis', meaning 'dissolution'. it is built from the prefix 'kata-' ('down') and 'lusis' ('a loosening'). the term's original chemical sense, established in the 19th century, logically extends from this literal meaning: it describes the process of 'loosening down' or breaking apart molecular structures to facilitate a reaction, while the catalyst itself remains intact. this conceptualizes the catalyst as an agent that thoroughly induces a change or dissolution in other substances without itself being consumed.
Analysis
Structure: cata (down, thoroughly) + lysis (loosening, dissolution)
cata- is a prefix of greek origin meaning 'down', 'against', or 'thoroughly'. -lysis is a combining form of greek origin, from 'lysis', meaning 'a loosening' or 'dissolution'.
Examples
enzymes are essential for the catalysis of biochemical reactions in living cells.
the new material allows for faster catalysis, significantly improving the efficiency of the industrial process.
his speech acted as a catalysis for a major shift in public opinion.