CATALYST Definition & Meaning

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catalyst

[ kat-l-ist ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

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.

catalyst

/ ˈ��æ��ə��ɪ�� /

noun

a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself suffering any permanent chemical change Compare inhibitor
a person or thing that causes a change

catalyst

/ ��ă��′��-ĭ�� /

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

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

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Notes

The term catalyst is often used to refer to the prime agent of any change: “She was the catalyst for the reorganization.”

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Other �y��vlog Forms

��-��a·�� noun
��i·��a·�� noun

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of catalyst¹

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

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The Dodgers, meanwhile, are hoping the hunger of their new additions will serve as a different kind of catalyst in their 2025 quest.

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Rahm was still a PGA Tour player when he won the 2023 Masters and believed his move to LIV could prove a catalyst for some form of reunification in men's professional golf.

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In USC’s Sweet 16 win over Kansas State, she was the Trojans’ catalyst on offense, scoring 11 of their first 13 points and leading the team with 19.

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The Atlantic 10 player of the year is the ideal catalyst for Richmond’s high-octane offense that never rests.

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"Survivors may struggle for years to process what happened to them. Seeing others share their stories can reduce feelings of shame and embarrassment, serving as a catalyst for seeking justice," they said.

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