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

And unless a compromise is reached, the dust-up might deny the crypto market a catalyst that could have extended the rally.

From The Wall Street Journal

Despite a crowded field in obesity treatment, William Blair maintains an outperform rating, arguing the stock still has meaningful clinical catalysts ahead.

From The Wall Street Journal

Investors look to still be skeptical as they wait for new catalysts.

From Barron's

Technicians are quick to remind us that there’s no reason to catch a falling knife until a clear technical catalyst emerges.

From Barron's

Likewise, he notes that although Wall Street is lukewarm on Simon Property Group, the shares have been rising ahead of upcoming earnings, which could serve as a catalyst.

From Barron's

Related Words

• impetus
• incentive
• motivation
• stimulant