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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Catalysis \Ca*tal"y*sis\, n.; pl. {Catalyse}.[ML., fr. Gr. ?
dissolution, fr. ? to destroy, dissolve; kata` down, wholly
? to loose.]
[1913 Webster]
1. Dissolution; degeneration; decay. [R.]
[1913 Webster]

Sad catalysis and declension of piety. --Evelyn.
[1913 Webster]

2. (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 apparenty 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]