autocatalyze

/ɔːtəkætəlaɪz/

Definitions

1. verb

to catalyze one’s own reaction or process, often in a chemical or biological system; to undergo self-catalysis.

“The enzyme was able to autocatalyze its own breakdown, speeding up the reaction.”

2. noun

a process or system that autocatalyzes.

“The autocatalytic reaction was crucial for the production of the new compound.”

Synonyms

  • autocatalyse
  • self-catalyze

Antonyms

  • inhibit
  • slow