catalysis The acceleration of a chemical or biochemical reaction that is brought about by the action of a catalyst. The catalyst, which is not affected by the overall reaction, acts by either lowering the activation energy of the reaction through a reorientation of molecules in collision, or by facilitating an alternative mechanism that has a different activation energy. Enzymes are naturally occurring catalysts which are universally present in all living cells. Enzymes are generally much more efficient and more specific than other catalysts.

catalysis The acceleration of a chemical or biochemical reaction that is brought about by the action of a catalyst. The catalyst, which is not affected by the overall reaction, acts by either lowering the activation energy of the reaction through a reorientation of molecules in collision, or by facilitating an alternative mechanism that has a different activation energy. Enzymes are naturally occurring catalysts which are universally present in all living cells. Enzymes are generally much more efficient and more specific than other catalysts.

catalysis †dissolution XVII; (chem.) chemical action brought about by a substance that remains unchanged XIX. — modL. — Gr. katálusis, f. katalúein dissolve, f. CATA- 2 + lúein loosen.
Hence catalyse, catalytic XIX, catalyst XX; after analyse, etc.

ca·tal·y·sis / kəˈtaləsis/ • n. Chem. & Biochem. the acceleration of a chemical reaction by a catalyst.

catalysis A chemical term, literally meaning ‘breaking down’, and in digestive physiology referring specifically to the breaking down of ingested food by an animal's own digestive enzymes. Compare AUTOCATALYSIS.