catalyst — a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being changed itself
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being changed itself
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkætəlɪst/
Example Sentences
- Coffee acts as a catalyst for my brain in the morning.
- The scandal became a catalyst for political reform.
- Social media can be a catalyst for both good and bad changes.
catalyst
NOUN[/ˈkætəlɪst/]
a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being changed itself
One small action becomes the catalyst — and everything around it starts to move.
A catalyst helps break a reaction open, allowing the chemical process to move forward faster.
Every catalyst needs a realist — someone who turns the spark into a list.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Greek 'katalysis' meaning 'dissolution' or 'breaking down', derived from 'kata-' (down) and 'lysis' (loosening). The term was coined in chemistry to describe substances that break down reactions.
Breakdown
kata- (down) + lysis (loosening/breaking) + -st (agent noun) = catalyst
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Coffee acts as a catalyst for my brain in the morning.”
“The scandal became a catalyst for political reform.”
“Social media can be a catalyst for both good and bad changes.”
“My mom's cooking is the catalyst that brings our family together every Sunday.”
📚Related Words
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