catalyst

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   something that causes an important event to happen

   the invasion acted as a catalyst to unite the country

2. 2
   noun

   in chemistry, a substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected

   The catalyst in the reaction is hydrochloric acid.

3. 3
   noun

   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.

4. 4
   noun

   Something that encourages progress or change.

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

5. 5
   noun

   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.

6. 6
   noun

   A catalytic converter.

7. 7
   noun

   An object that facilitates the casting of a spell (such as a magic wand).

Etymology

From catalysis + -ist.