(n) the energy that an atomic system must acquire before a process (such as an emission or reaction) can occur, Syn. energy of activation, Example:catalysts are said to reduce the energy of activation during the transition phase of a reaction
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
n. 1. the process of making active. Syn. -- energizing, activating [ WordNet 1.5 2. making active and effective (as a bomb). [ 1913 Webster ]
certain devices, as bombs or artillery shells, are designed to be unable to operate until a specific action (activation or arming) is taken to make them operable. [ WordNet 1.5 ]