Catalyze
Catalyze means to speed up a chemical reaction by lowering the activation energy without being consumed in the process, making it essential in industrial and biological systems. In a broader sense, it's often used metaphorically to describe something that initiates or accelerates change, like a key event sparking innovation or social movements. This versatile term highlights how small interventions can lead to outsized results in both science and everyday life.
Did you know?
Did you know that without catalysts, many essential industrial processes would be economically impossible, as they enable reactions to occur at lower temperatures and save energy— for instance, the Haber-Bosch process, which uses an iron catalyst to produce ammonia for fertilizers, feeds about half the world's population? This single invention has been credited with supporting the growth of global food production since its development in 1909.
Verified Sources
Your Usage Frequency
1 / 721