catalyst

American  

[kat-l-ist] / ˈkæt l ɪst /

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.

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catalyst British  

/ 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

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catalyst Scientific  

/ 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.

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catalyst Cultural  

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

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Discover More

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

Other Word Forms

• self-catalyst noun
• semicatalyst noun

Etymology

Origin of catalyst

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

Example Sentences

Beyond capturing CO2, these viciazite materials could also be used for other applications, including removing metal ions or serving as catalysts, thanks to their customizable surface properties.

From Science Daily

Three major potential catalysts for the chip maker’s shares have come and gone without making an impression, but investors still have cause to be patient.

From Barron's

The real catalyst behind the rotation trade was a spike in borrowing costs during the government shutdown last fall, Kizemchuk said.

From MarketWatch

White called the unveiling earlier this month of Apple’s new MacBook Neo “the star” and a “potential catalyst in expanding the company’s user base.”

From Barron's

“We remain bullish on Intuitive Machines, and we are buyers on weakness, ahead of additional, potentially material, catalysts ahead,” added the analyst.

From Barron's

Related Words

• impetus
• incentive
• motivation
• stimulant