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Catalyst: meaning, definitions and examples

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catalyst

 

[ ˈkat(ə)lɪst ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

chemical reaction

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

Synonyms

accelerator, spur, stimulant, trigger

Examples of usage

  • The enzyme acted as a catalyst in the reaction.
  • The presence of a catalyst can significantly speed up the reaction.
Context #2 | Noun

social change

A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.

Synonyms

impetus, instigator, motivator, stimulus

Examples of usage

  • The new policy acted as a catalyst for social reform.
  • The protest served as a catalyst for political change.

Translations

Translations of the word "catalyst" in other languages:

🇵🇹 catalisador

🇮🇳 उत्प्रेरक

🇩🇪 Katalysator

🇮🇩 katalis

🇺🇦 каталізатор

🇵🇱 katalizator

🇯🇵 触媒 (しょくばい)

🇫🇷 catalyseur

🇪🇸 catalizador

🇹🇷 katalizör

🇰🇷 촉매제

🇸🇦 محفز

🇨🇿 katalyzátor

🇸🇰 katalyzátor

🇨🇳 催化剂 (cuīhuà jì)

🇸🇮 katalizator

🇮🇸 hvati

🇰🇿 катализатор

🇬🇪 კატალიზატორი

🇦🇿 katalizator

🇲🇽 catalizador

Etymology

The word 'catalyst' originated in the early 20th century, deriving from the Greek word 'katalysis' meaning 'dissolution' or 'loosening'. The concept of a catalyst has been crucial in various fields including chemistry, social sciences, and technology, where it represents an entity that facilitates change or reaction without being consumed in the process. The importance of catalysts in accelerating processes has led to significant advancements in multiple industries.

See also: biocatalyst, catalysis.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,899 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.