catalyst

[ kat-l-ist ]

noun

1. Chemistry. a substance that causes or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected.
2. something that causes activity between two or more persons or forces without itself being affected.
3. a person or thing that precipitates an event or change:

   His imprisonment by the government served as the catalyst that helped transform social unrest into revolution.

4. a person whose talk, enthusiasm, or energy causes others to be more friendly, enthusiastic, or energetic.

catalyst

/ ˈkætəlɪst /

noun

1. a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself suffering any permanent chemical change Compare inhibitor
2. a person or thing that causes a change

catalyst

/ kăt′l-ĭst /

1. A substance that starts or speeds up a chemical reaction while undergoing no permanent change itself. The enzymes in saliva, for example, are catalysts in digestion.

catalyst

1. In chemistry , a substance that causes a chemical reaction to occur but is not itself involved in the reaction.

Notes

The term catalyst is often used to refer to the prime agent of any change: “She was the catalyst for the reorganization.”

Other Words From

• self-cata·lyst noun
• semi·cata·lyst noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of catalyst¹

First recorded in 1900–05; cataly(sis) + (-i)st

Example Sentences

Mr Davidson described the deal as a "magnificent order" and said the factory was "acting as a catalyst for economic growth and green jobs across the region".

From BBC

Ai-Da Robot, which uses an advanced AI language model to speak, said: "The key value of my work is its capacity to serve as a catalyst for dialogue about emerging technologies."

From BBC

"Mediocre solutions which come at the expense of the Palestinians, or endless military support for Israel, is going to be nothing but a catalyst for future confrontations," said Sabri Saidam, a senior member of the PA's main faction, Fatah.

From BBC

"This is a massive opportunity to be a catalyst for change for women's sport and for tennis to be that catalyst," she said.

From BBC

The report is intended as a review of the adoption process and a "catalyst for positive changes".

From BBC

Related Words

• impetus
• incentive
• motivation
• stimulant