autocatalysis

noun

au·​to·​ca·​tal·​y·​sis ˌȯ-tō-kə-ˈta-lə-səs How to pronounce autocatalysis (audio)
plural autocatalyses ˌȯ-tō-kə-ˈta-lə-ˌsēz How to pronounce autocatalysis (audio)
: catalysis of a reaction by one of its products
autocatalytic
ˌȯ-tō-ˌka-tə-ˈli-tik How to pronounce autocatalysis (audio)
adjective
autocatalytically
ˌȯ-tō-ˌka-tə-ˈli-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce autocatalysis (audio)
adverb

Examples of autocatalysis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But no more grand than others triggered by autocatalysis over the past couple of centuries. — IEEE Spectrum, 8 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Autokalyse, from auto- auto- + Katalyse catalysis

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of autocatalysis was in 1891

Rhymes for autocatalysis

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Browse Nearby Words

autocarpy
autocatalysis
autocephalicity
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Cite this Entry

“Autocatalysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autocatalysis. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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Medical Definition

autocatalysis

noun
au·​to·​ca·​tal·​y·​sis ˌȯt-ō-kə-ˈtal-ə-səs How to pronounce autocatalysis (audio)
plural autocatalyses -ˌsēz How to pronounce autocatalysis (audio)
: catalysis of a reaction by one of its products

called also autoactivation

autocatalytic
-ˌkat-ᵊl-ˈit-ik How to pronounce autocatalysis (audio)
adjective
autocatalytically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce autocatalysis (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on autocatalysis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about autocatalysis

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