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 Jones spent seven years in Green Bay, compiling three 1,000-plus-yard campaigns and was a key catalyst in the team’s late playoff push this past season. Thomas Schlachter, CNN, 12 Mar. 2024 Curry, 35, struggled with ongoing ankle issues early in his career but gained enough traction to become a two-time MVP and the offensive catalyst for the Warriors’ four championship teams over the last decade. Michael Nowels, The Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2024 While Padilla provides the offensive spark, Williams is USC’s defensive catalyst. Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2024 DeRozan and Love instantly became catalysts that sparked a shift toward destigmatizing mental health issues in the NBA. Tim Reynolds, Twin Cities, 4 Mar. 2024 This has been an especially important catalyst for the protests in Germany, powerfully symbolized by the dangling of farmers’ empty work boots from streetlights and signposts – expressing a sense of loss eloquently described by one local writer late last month. Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 29 Feb. 2024 At the heart of this transformation lies the innovative integration of cryptocurrency, serving as a powerful catalyst to redefine the traditional paradigm of AI creation. Max (chong) Li, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 The brooch was a catalyst for her world-famous collection that eventually grew into an overflowing, international melting pot of jewelry, accessories and apparel. Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2024 And so there’s a catalyst out there to really do this now. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 1 Mar. 2024

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 19 Mar. 2024.

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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