catalyst

[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.
Origin
1900-05; cataly(sis) + (-i)st
Related forms
self-catalyst, noun
semicatalyst, noun
Examples from the web for catalyst
  • Green is going to be the next big catalyst for economies across the globe.
  • By connecting rather than alienating in a public setting, it is a great catalyst for collaboration.
  • They engineered it so that one end carries a catalyst-iridium oxide.
  • Cells need zinc as a catalyst in their protective processes, so if you supply them with zinc, it helps them work more efficiently.
  • All it takes is a catalyst of nickel or ruthenium, and the reaction occurs spontaneously.
  • The deviant behavior acts as a catalyst for the first interaction.
  • The researchers are also seeking a catalyst that is cheaper than one based on iridium, which is relatively expensive.
  • Indeed, the markets may now begin to act as a stronger catalyst for change than the single currency managed to be on its own.
  • In truth, water is hardly ever a catalyst in ordinary conditions.
  • The more bracing market conditions may renew hopes that the euro will be a catalyst for reform.
British Dictionary definitions for catalyst

catalyst

/ˈkætəlɪst/
noun
1.
a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself suffering any permanent chemical change Compare inhibitor (sense 2)
2.
a person or thing that causes a change
Word Origin and History for catalyst
n.

"substance which speeds a chemical reaction but itself remains unchanged," 1902, formed in English (on analogy of analyst) from catalysis. Figurative use by 1943.

catalyst in Medicine

catalyst cat·a·lyst (kāt'l-ĭst)
n.
A substance, usually used in small amounts relative to the reactants, that modifies and increases the rate of a reaction without being consumed in the process.

cat'a·lyt'ic (kāt'l-ĭt'ĭk) adj.
catalyst in Science
catalyst
  (kāt'l-ĭst)   
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.

catalytic adjective (kāt'l-ĭt'ĭk)
catalyst in Culture
catalyst [(kat-uh-list)]

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

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