Definition of catalysis
- n. - Dissolution; degeneration; decay.
- n. - A process by which reaction occurs 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 apparenty left
unchanged; as, the catalysis of making ether from alcohol by means of
sulphuric acid; or catalysis in the action of soluble ferments (as
diastase, or ptyalin) on starch.
- n. - The catalytic force.