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Catalyst

//ˈkæt.ɪ.lɪst// noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.

    "Enzymes, the catalysts of biological systems, are remarkable molecular devices that determine the pattern of chemical transformations."

  2. 2
    something that causes an important event to happen wordnet
  3. 3
    Something that encourages progress or change. figuratively

    "Economic development and integration are working as a catalyst for peace."

  4. 4
    (chemistry) a substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected wordnet
  5. 5
    An inciting incident that sets the successive conflict into motion.

    "The current view by both Labour and Conservative politicians is that the state of the UK railway is unsustainable, and the pandemic acted as a catalyst in exposing its weaknesses."

Show 2 more definitions
  1. 6
    A catalytic converter.
  2. 7
    An object that facilitates the casting of a spell (such as a magic wand).

Etymology

From catalysis + -ist.

See also for "catalyst"

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