catalyst

A catalyst is a substance that speeds up the rate of a chemical reaction. (noun)

An example of catalyst is using a catalytic converter to change carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide.

A catalyst is someone or something that speeds up or brings about an event. (noun)

An example of catalyst is how President Bush's claims that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction started the war in Iraq.

See catalyst in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

any substance serving as the agent in catalysis
a person or thing acting as the stimulus in bringing about or hastening a result

Related Forms:

See catalyst in American Heritage Dictionary 4

(kătˈl-ĭst)

noun

Chemistry A substance, usually used in small amounts relative to the reactants, that modifies and increases the rate of a reaction without being consumed in the process.
One that precipitates a process or event, especially without being involved in or changed by the consequences: “A free press … has remained … a vital catalyst to an informed and responsible electorate” (Robert O'Neal).

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» catalyst synonyms

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