catalyst

noun

cat·​a·​lyst ˈka-tə-ləst How to pronounce catalyst (audio)
1
: a substance that enables a chemical reaction to proceed at a usually faster rate or under different conditions (as at a lower temperature) than otherwise possible
2
: an agent that provokes or speeds significant change or action
That waterway became the catalyst of the area's industrialization.
He was the catalyst in the native uprising.

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Word History of Catalyst

Catalyst is a fairly recent addition to the English language, first appearing at the start of the 20th century with its chemistry meaning. It was formed from the word catalysis, another chemistry term which refers to a modification and especially an increase in the rate of a chemical reaction induced by material unchanged chemically at the end of the reaction. By the 1940s, the figurative sense of catalyst was in use for someone or something that quickly causes change or action.

Examples of catalyst in a Sentence

The bombing attack was the catalyst for war. She was proud to be a catalyst for reform in the government.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What Transformative Technologies Have In Common Transformative technologies like the locomotive, jet engine or helicopter are innovation catalysts that fuel future economic and societal value. Matthew Graczyk, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 It's aided by the doped ceria catalyst and this releases some amount of oxygen. Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 23 June 2025 Haliburton had been the catalyst for the Pacers’ success throughout the playoffs. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2025 As the Florida Panthers paraded down A1A in Fort Lauderdale to celebrate their second consecutive Stanley Cup championship, the star winger and one of the catalysts to this current run soaked in the moment once again. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 22 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for catalyst

Word History

Etymology

see catalysis

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of catalyst was in 1902

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Cite this Entry

“Catalyst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catalyst. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

catalyst

noun
cat·​a·​lyst ˈkat-ᵊl-əst How to pronounce catalyst (audio)
1
: a substance that changes the rate of a chemical reaction but is itself unchanged at the end of the process
especially : such a substance that speeds up a reaction or enables it to proceed under milder conditions
2
: a person or event that quickly causes change or action
the scandal was a catalyst for reform

Medical Definition

catalyst

noun
cat·​a·​lyst ˈkat-ᵊl-əst How to pronounce catalyst (audio)
: a substance (as an enzyme) that enables a chemical reaction to proceed at a usually faster rate or under different conditions (as at a lower temperature) than otherwise possible
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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