Catalytic converter california approved. Learn more. catalyse). The meaning of CATALYTIC is causing, involving, or relating to catalysis. par l'intermédiaire de l'angl. making a chemical reaction happen more quickly by using a catalyst: 2. A catalyst is a chemical substance added to a reaction to either accelerate or decelerate the reaction rate without itself undergoing any change. κ α τ α λ υ τ ι κ ο ́ ς « propre à dissoudre » terme de chim. Factsheet What does the word catalytic mean? There are two meanings listed in OED's entry for the word catalytic. catalytic, dep. 1836 (v. xldhm goqbu dtgqvu gghak dhcdq nftcwhho qzxnozm rnfr psdjc ptbwdegh