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

The other potential catalyst for volatility is the Fed.

From Barron's

The other potential catalyst for volatility is the Fed.

From Barron's

It was the catalyst that linked Will to its powerful creatures that tormented him and his inner circle for years.

From Los Angeles Times

He cites positive catalysts including a resilient consumer, ongoing solid capital spending by companies and higher refunds this tax season that would be spent in 2026.

From MarketWatch

“It’s such a lower bar for oil next year for any type of upside,” says Adam Turnquist, chief technical strategist at LPL Financial, who expects stronger economic growth to be a catalyst for oil.

From Barron's

Related Words

• impetus
• incentive
• motivation
• stimulant