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Catalyst: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Catalyst noun. A substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being used up itself.
How to say it
KAT-uh-list/ˈkatəlɪst/
3 syllables, stressed on the first (KAT). Forms: catalysts.
Meanings
- A substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being used up itself.
- A person or event that sets off an important change.
Catalyst in a sentence
The new manager was the catalyst for a complete rethink of how the team worked.
Enzymes act as catalysts, letting reactions happen quickly at body temperature.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- trigger
- spur
- stimulus
- impetus
Where catalyst comes from
From Greek katalusis, a dissolving, from kataluein, to loosen.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
Enzymes act as _____, letting reactions happen quickly at body temperature.
- catalyst
- epistemology
- homeostasis
Show the answer
catalyst: Enzymes act as catalysts, letting reactions happen quickly at body temperature.