Autocatalytic

/ˌɔːtəkətəˈlɪtɪk/ adjective

Definition

Describing a chemical reaction in which the product speeds up its own formation, or any self-accelerating process.

Etymology

From autocatalysis + -ic (relating to). The adjectival form of autocatalysis used to describe reactions with this self-promoting property.

Kelly Says

The Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction is a wild autocatalytic system that creates spiraling chemical patterns—it's like watching molecules dance to their own increasing rhythm!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.