catalysis
/kəˈtæləsɪs/
Definition
The acceleration or facilitation of a chemical reaction by a substance that is not consumed by the reaction itself.
Etymology
The word comes from the Greek 'katalysis,' meaning 'dissolution,' formed from 'kata-' (down) and 'lyein' (to loosen). It entered modern scientific terminology in the 19th century to describe the process of breaking down or changing chemical substances.
In the news
The word is used in the title of an organization, 'The Catalysis Society of South Africa,' to describe the professional field of researchers who study how to speed up chemical processes. It defines the specific scientific focus of the academic group offering the travel grant mentioned.
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