catalyst

[kat-l-ist]

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.

catalyst

/ 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

catalyst

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.

catalyst

1. In chemistry, a substance that causes a chemical reaction to occur but is not itself involved in the reaction.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of catalyst¹

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

Example Sentences

Publicity about David Carrick's arrest that October, leading to his multiple life sentences, would become the catalyst in their own fights for justice.

Read more on BBC

What other positive catalysts are there for the broader European market?

Read more on Barron's

"Working together, we can shape a future where reduced class contact time is not just a logistical change but a catalyst for deeper professional engagement, improved wellbeing, and better outcomes for every learner," she added.

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Order wins are likely to be key catalysts for its shares, they add.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Platinum’s demand comes from several sectors, including automotive catalysts, jewelry, and industrial applications such as glass-manufacturing equipment and medical devices.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• impetus 
• incentive 
• motivation 
• stimulant