\Ca*tal"y*sis\, n.; pl. {Catalyse}.[ML., fr. Gr. ?
dissolution, fr. ? to destroy, dissolve; kata` down, wholly +
? to loose.]
1. Dissolution; degeneration; decay. [R.]
         Sad catalysis and declension of piety. --Evelyn.
2. (Chem.)
   (a) A process by which reaction occurs 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 soluble ferments (as
       diastase, or ptyalin) on starch.
   (b) The catalytic force.