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catalyst
[ kat-l-ist ]
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
/ ˈæəɪ /
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
- 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.
Notes
Other Word Forms
- -a· noun
- i·a· noun
Word History and Origins
Origin of catalyst1
Example Sentences
Where loyalty and familiar affection fueled Joel and Ellie’s journey West in the first season, the second season twists those catalysts into something grimmer and less predictable.
When you look at how well you guys are doing in recruiting, what would you say has been the catalyst to building that momentum?
That bowl performance became the catalyst — a confidence boost he’s carried into his second year and he’s in the mix for a starting role on USC’s new-look offensive line.
Spicy foods blur the lines between pleasure and pain, which makes them catalysts for great onscreen drama.
The timing and scope of the project sums up the Beatles' unique heritage as the best-selling band of all-time - the catalyst for shifting youth culture and the boundaries of pop.
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