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Definition of catalyst

catalyst

/ˈkæt.ə.lɪst/
cat · a · lyst
Adverb:catalytically
•
Plural:catalysts
•
Adjective:catalytic
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catalyst Lexical Profile

catalyst Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person, event, or thing that precipitates or accelerates a significant change or action.

Example

"The new trade agreement served as a powerful catalyst for regional economic growth."

2

A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change.

Example

"Platinum is widely used as a catalyst in industrial chemical processes and automotive exhaust systems."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for catalyst

• Nearby Words

catalog
cataloger
catalpa
catalyst
catalytic
catalytic converter
catalyze

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 20th century as a back-formation from 'catalysis', which derives from the Ancient Greek 'katalysis' (dissolution), from 'kata-' (down) and 'lyein' (to loosen).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Catalyst. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/catalyst
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