catalyst
noun
cat·a·lyst
ˈka-tə-ləst
1
: a person or thing that provokes or speeds significant change or action
a catalyst for economic growth
the catalyst behind the decision
Look at passionate young people from any era and you'll find impressive catalysts for change.—Erin Blakemore
2
: a substance that enables a chemical reaction to proceed at a usually faster rate or under different conditions (as at a lower temperature) than otherwise possible
Depending on the catalyst used, the device either splits water to make hydrogen fuel or splits water and CO2 to create syngas …—Prachi Patel
Did you know?
Word History of Catalyst
Catalyst is a fairly recent addition to the English language, first appearing at the start of the 20th century with its chemistry meaning. It was formed from the word catalysis, another chemistry term which refers to a modification and especially an increase in the rate of a chemical reaction induced by material unchanged chemically at the end of the reaction. By the 1940s, the figurative sense of catalyst was in use for someone or something that quickly causes change or action.
Cite this Entry
“Catalyst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catalyst. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
