autocatalytic

adjective

Meaning

Relating to a chemical reaction where the product of the reaction acts as a catalyst for the reaction itself, causing it to accelerate over time.

Examples

  • The formation of certain crystals can be an autocatalytic process once the initial seed is present.
  • Some complex biological systems exhibit autocatalytic behavior, allowing them to grow and replicate efficiently.

Synonyms: self-sustaining, self-perpetuating, self-accelerating, autogenous