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.

Example Sentences

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 Soccer SoFi Stadium and Rose Bowl are among venue finalists for 2026 World Cup matches June 16, 2022 Sadly, Ekstrom believes framing the issue that way might be the best way to force action on gun control and the 2026 World Cup has the potential to be a catalyst. Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2023 The precious metal’s strong run-up so far in 2023 has left it in need of a catalyst to break beyond its record high, the World Gold Council says in its monthly report. wsj.com, 11 May 2023 City government no longer needs or is underusing the properties and is hoping redevelopment would be a catalyst for the area. Matthew Glowicki, The Courier-Journal, 10 May 2023 This duo has been the catalyst for just about every Reds’ comeback this season, and India and Friedl completely turned Saturday’s game around. Charlie Goldsmith, The Enquirer, 7 May 2023 The pandemic was a major catalyst in calling for actionable steps to achieve healthier indoor air. Jennifer Nuckles, Forbes, 5 May 2023 Mechanically speaking, the trigger is the catalyst that sets off a chain of events, starting with the release of the firing pin, which flies forward, striking a tiny explosive charge located in the base of the bullet. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 15 Apr. 2023 Spring’s severe weather season is the catalyst behind this weekend’s sales tax holiday for emergency supplies. Maria Halkias, Dallas News, 14 Apr. 2023 Experiencing a job loss can negatively affect people’s mental health and be the catalyst for lingering feelings of self-doubt and low self-confidence, even in subsequent jobs. Alexa Mikhail, Fortune Well, 12 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'catalyst.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near catalyst

Cite this Entry

“Catalyst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catalyst. Accessed 8 Jun. 2023.

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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