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catalyst

[kat-l-ist]

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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR catalyst ON THESAURUS.COM

WATCH NOW: Can A Person Be A Catalyst?

WATCH NOW: 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?

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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.

Nearby words

Origin of catalyst

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

Related formsself-cat·a·lyst, nounsem·i·cat·a·lyst, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for catalyst

But the copper performs another important function: working as a catalyst in the distillation process.
When It Comes to Great Whisky, The Size of Your Still Matters||December 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Brunch is a catalyst, brunch is the enforcer of different-rules-for-the-weekend.
Don’t Diss the Beauty of Brunch: Defending Our Favorite Meal|Tim Teeman|October 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
We are proud that our film could be a catalyst for even a small change in the ways these boys are treated in China.
China Doesn't Want You to See the Internet Addiction Film 'Web Junkie'|Shosh Shlam and Hilla Medalia|August 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
And that question is the catalyst for all the ambiguity throughout the film.
How ‘Transcendence’ Director Wally Pfister Became Christopher Nolan’s Secret Weapon|Andrew Romano|April 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST

The senator's 13-hour filibuster of the confirmation of John Brennan to be CIA director last March was the catalyst.
Rand Paul’s Audacity of Nope: Suing Obama Over Domestic Surveillance|Sam Youngman|January 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
For that reason the catalyst is referred to as "a chemical parson."
Creative Chemistry|Edwin E. Slosson
A catalyst failed briefly in its task, then resumed, but the damage had been done.
The Short Life|Francis Donovan
As Thane had guessed, the use of gold in the catalyst principle gave Candar pause, but only momentarily.
Evil Out of Onzar|Mark Ganes
I have some scientific knowledge myself about the powers of this catalyst.
Brigands of the Moon|Ray Cummings
There may be a catalyst here in this area which works in conjunction with your thought-processes and not mine.
The Alternate Plan|Gerry Maddren

British Dictionary definitions for catalyst

catalyst

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

Word Origin and History for catalyst

catalyst

n.

"substance which speeds a chemical reaction but itself remains unchanged," 1902, formed in English (on analogy of analyst) from catalysis. Figurative use by 1943.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

Medicine 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.

Related formscat′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.

Science 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.

Related formscatalytic adjective (kăt′l-ĭt′ĭk)

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Culture 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.

Note

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.