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

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.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of catalyst¹

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

Example Sentences

Future price catalysts also include developments in the U.S. government shutdown, now entering its 13th day, where voting is set to resume Tuesday.

Read more on Barron's

The Hawick-born player, who recently stated he had "reset" at a rehabilitation clinic after his initial arrest, said that taking part in a charity event was the catalyst to him coming out of retirement.

Read more on BBC

Those kinds of catalysts can create a virtuous cycle—squeezing short sellers and attracting fresh capital.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Palmer pointed to defensive coordinator Steve Fifita, who served as interim head coach during last season and decided to stay on the Eagles’ staff as the catalyst for Santa Margarita’s success.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

For example, metal catalysts are essential for enabling reactions that convert chemical energy into electricity.

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

• impetus 
• incentive 
• motivation 
• stimulant