catalyst

noun
UK: /ˈkætəlɪst/
US: /ˈkætəlɪst/

  1. A substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed itself.

    1. Iron is a catalyst in the production of ammonia.
    2. Enzymes act as biological catalysts, accelerating reactions in living organisms.

  2. Something or someone that causes a change or event to happen more quickly.

    1. Her arrival was the catalyst for change in the company.
    2. The war acted as a catalyst, accelerating social and political reforms.

Synonyms

accelerator stimulus impetus promoter
catalyst transitive-verb

  1. To cause or accelerate a reaction or change.

    1. The funding will catalyst further research in the field.
    2. Increased demand catalyzed the development of new manufacturing techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "catalyst" in English means: A substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed itself., Something or someone that causes a change or event to happen more quickly..

The phonetic transcription of "catalyst" is /ˈkætəlɪst/ in British English and /ˈkætəlɪst/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "catalyst": accelerator, stimulus, impetus, promoter.

Example usage of "catalyst": "Iron is a catalyst in the production of ammonia.". More examples on the page.