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

That being said, foreign stocks have looked attractive on a relative valuation basis for years; other, more immediate catalysts were needed to set this trade in motion.

From MarketWatch

At present, however, the key catalyst to a breakout past the 7000 barrier remains elusive.

From Barron's

“The market is treading water right now waiting for its next catalyst,” said Paul Stanley, CIO at Granite Bay Wealth Management in Portsmouth, NH.

From Barron's

Yet analysts have been excited about the future growth of Palo Alto Networks, due to recent deals that they believe will be a catalyst for the company.

From MarketWatch

Wall Street is looking to the company’s earnings report, due Feb. 25, as a catalyst to get the stock moving upward again.

From Barron's

Related Words

• impetus
• incentive
• motivation
• stimulant