catalyst
KAT-ih-lihst
Catalyst (noun) means In chemistry, a substance that speeds up a reaction without being used up itself. Example: “A small amount of catalyst dramatically sped up the reaction.”
noun
1
In chemistry, a substance that speeds up a reaction without being used up itself.
"A small amount of catalyst dramatically sped up the reaction."
"Platinum is often used as a catalyst in the exhaust systems of cars."
"Enzymes act as a catalyst for many chemical reactions in the body."
2
A person or event that triggers significant change.
"The scandal became the catalyst for major reforms in the industry."
"Losing his job turned out to be the catalyst for a career change."
"Her speech was the catalyst that finally got the neighbours to organise a clean-up."
How to use catalyst
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that sets a bigger process or change into motion, whether in a chemical reaction or in life.
Common pairings
a catalyst for change
act as a catalyst
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Word forms
- Plural
- catalysts
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A small amount of _____ dramatically sped up the reaction.
Etymology
From catalysis plus the agent suffix -ist, ultimately from Ancient Greek katalyein, "to dissolve or break down."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
anticatalyst
Related words
Rhymes for catalyst
See all rhymes for catalyst →Frequently asked questions
What does “catalyst” mean?
The word “catalyst” means in chemistry, a substance that speeds up a reaction without being used up itself. In plain terms, something that sets a bigger process or change into motion, whether in a chemical reaction or in life.
How do you pronounce “catalyst”?
“Catalyst” is pronounced KAT-ih-lihst (/ˈkæt.ə.lɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “catalyst” in a sentence?
Here is “catalyst” used in a sentence: “A small amount of catalyst dramatically sped up the reaction.”
What part of speech is “catalyst”?
“Catalyst” is a noun.
Where does the word “catalyst” come from?
The word “catalyst” comes from Ancient Greek. From catalysis plus the agent suffix -ist, ultimately from Ancient Greek katalyein, "to dissolve or break down.".
Is “catalyst” a common word?
“Catalyst” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “catalyst” have?
“Catalyst” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in chemistry, a substance that speeds up a reaction without being used up itself.
What is the difference between a catalyst in chemistry and a catalyst for change?
In chemistry, a catalyst is a substance that speeds up a reaction without itself being consumed. Used figuratively, a catalyst is a person or event that triggers significant change, borrowing the idea of something that sparks a process without necessarily being part of the outcome.
When should you use "catalyst" instead of "cause"?
Use "catalyst" when something accelerates or triggers a process that was already possible, rather than being the sole origin of it, as with a "cause." A catalyst often implies a spark that speeds things up, while a cause implies direct responsibility for an effect.
Can "catalyst" be used outside of chemistry and science?
Yes, "catalyst" is frequently used figuratively in everyday language to describe a person, event, or decision that triggers significant change, such as "the scandal was a catalyst for reform."
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