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catalyst
[ kat-l-ist ]
/ ˈkæt l ɪst /
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Definition of catalyst
noun
Chemistry. a substance that causes or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected.
something that causes activity between two or more persons or forces without itself being affected.
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.
a person whose talk, enthusiasm, or energy causes others to be more friendly, enthusiastic, or energetic.
VIDEO FOR CATALYST
Can A Person Be A Catalyst?
A catalyst means "something that causes activity, an event, or change." And usually, these events and changes are big. But, can a catalyst be a person?
QUIZ
QUIZ YOURSELF ON "IS" VS. "ARE"
"Is" it time for a new quiz? "Are" you ready? Then prove your excellent skills on using "is" vs. "are."
Question 1 of 7
IS and ARE are both forms of which verb?
Origin of catalyst
First recorded in 1900–05; cataly(sis) + (-i)st
OTHER WORDS FROM catalyst
self-cat·a·lyst, nounsem·i·cat·a·lyst, nounWords nearby catalyst
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use catalyst in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for catalyst
catalyst
/ (ˈkætəlɪst) /
noun
a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself suffering any permanent chemical changeCompare inhibitor (def. 2)
a person or thing that causes a change
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medical definitions for catalyst
catalyst
[ kăt′l-ĭst ]
n.
A substance, usually used in small amounts relative to the reactants, that modifies and increases the rate of a reaction without being consumed in the process.
Other words from catalyst
cat′a•lyt′ic (kăt′l-ĭt′ĭk) adj.The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for catalyst
catalyst
[ kăt′l-ĭst ]
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.
Other words from catalyst
catalytic adjective (kăt′l-ĭt′ĭk)The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for catalyst
catalyst
[ (kat-uh-list) ]
In chemistry, a substance that causes a chemical reaction to occur but is not itself involved in the reaction.
notes for catalyst
The term catalyst is often used to refer to the prime agent of any change: “She was the catalyst for the reorganization.”
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.