catalyst
ˈkætəlɪst
Definition Synonyms

Definition of catalyst - Reverso English Dictionary

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Noun

1.
figurativesomething encouraging progress or change
  • The new policy was a catalyst for reform.
impetus spur stimulus
2.
chemistryTECH.substance increasing reaction rate without being consumedTECH.
  • The enzyme acts as a catalyst in the reaction.
accelerator promoter
3.
automotiveTECH.device reducing vehicle emissionsTECH.
  • The car's catalyst needs replacement.
converter filter scrubber
4.
literatureTECH.incident starting the main conflictTECH.
  • The theft was the catalyst of the story's events.
spark stimulus trigger
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Expressions with catalyst

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something that causes significant change
The new policy was a catalyst for change in the company.
agent that provokes change
The leader was a catalyst in the process of organizational transformation.
cause change or reaction without direct involvement
Her speech acted as a catalyst for the movement.
cause a change or event to happen
Her speech served as a catalyst for the new policy.
solid material that carries and stabilizes an active catalytic substance
Alumina is commonly used as a catalyst support in refining processes.
catalyst forming one stereoisomer over others
The stereospecific catalyst ensured the drug's correct stereoisomer was produced.

Origin of catalyst

Greek, katalysis (dissolution)

Terms with catalyst included in their meaning

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catalyst
acts as a catalyst for new developments
fresh start
catalyst for initiating new ideas or actions
catalyst
factor that causes significant change
chemistry
substance that activates a catalyst
chemistry
process of increasing the rate of a chemical reaction using a catalyst
chemistry
catalysis using light to activate a catalyst
chemistry
catalyst for free radical reactions
chemistry
change or speed-up in a reaction caused by a catalyst

Examples of catalyst in a sentence

  • The invention served as a catalyst in the industry.
  • In the lab, the scientist added a catalyst to speed up the process.
  • The catalyst remained unchanged after the chemical reaction.
  • The mechanic inspected the catalyst for damage.
  • A faulty catalyst can increase exhaust emissions.
  • The letter served as a catalyst for change.

View all translations of catalyst

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:catalyseur, agent catalytique, ...
  2. German:Katalysator, Kat, ...
  3. Italian:catalizzatore, convertitore catalitico, ...
  4. Spanish:catalizador, acelerador, ...
  5. Portuguese:catalisador, agente catalisador, ...
  6. Chinese:催化剂, 触媒, ...
  7. Japanese:触媒, 反応促進剤, ...
  8. Arabic:حَافِز, عامل حفاز, ...
  9. Hebrew:זָרָז, קַטָלִיזָטוֹר, ...
  10. Russian:катализатор, каталитический нейтрализатор, ...
  11. Ukrainian:каталізатор, каталітичний нейтралізатор, ...
  12. Hindi:उत्प्रेरक, प्रतिक्रिया उत्प्रेरक, ...
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