autocatalysis
/ˌɔː.təʊˌkæt.əˈlɪs.ɪs/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A chemical process in which the reaction makes more of the catalyst, so the process speeds up by itself. It is common in chemistry and science writing.
- The reaction showed autocatalysis.
- Autocatalysis can make the process faster over time.
Adinary Nuance
Autocatalysis is not the same as simple catalysis. In catalysis, an added catalyst speeds a reaction, but it is not made by the reaction. In autocatalysis, the reaction creates the catalyst itself, so the process can speed up on its own.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- xúc tác tự sinh
- Spanish
- autocatálisis
- Chinese
- 自催化
- Japanese
- 自己触媒作用
- Korean
- 자가촉매 작용
Etymology
From Greek auto- meaning 'self' and catalysis, from katalysis meaning 'loosening' or 'breaking down'. The word entered scientific English in the 19th century.
Common phrases
autocatalytic reactionautocatalytic processautocatalysis in chemistry
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is autocatalysis the same as catalysis?
- No. In autocatalysis, the reaction helps create its own catalyst.
- Is autocatalysis a common everyday word?
- No. It is a technical word used mostly in chemistry and science writing.
- What is the adjective form of autocatalysis?
- The adjective is autocatalytic.