B2nounscience
US/ˈkæt.əl.ɪst/
UK/ˈkæt.əl.ɪst/
a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction; also something that causes an important change
In context
Platinum acts as a catalyst in the reaction and is not used up.
The floods became a catalyst for better city planning in Ho Chi Minh City.
Cheap solar panels have been a major catalyst for change in the energy sector.
Words that go with catalyst
noun + preposition
- catalyst for changeThe protest became a catalyst for change in environmental law.
verb + noun
- act as a catalystSmall grants can act as a catalyst for local green projects.
- serve as a catalystThe report served as a catalyst for new climate policy.
adjective + noun
- major catalystSocial media was a major catalyst for the campaign.
- chemical catalystA chemical catalyst helps turn the gas into liquid fuel.