Word
catalyst
Phoneticscat·a·lyst, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkætəɫəst/
UK/kˈætɐlˌɪst/
Definitions
01chemistry
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical
n. a substance that makes a chemical reaction happen faster without being used up itself.
n. a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction by lowering the activation energy without undergoing any permanent chemical change.
“The scientist added a metal catalyst to the mixture to speed up the experiment.”
“In industrial chemistry, platinum often serves as a catalyst to facilitate the production of nitric acid from ammonia.”
Usage
Usually functions as a countable noun in scientific reports.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02a person or event that causes change
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Academic
n. a person or event that causes a major change or action to start.
n. an agent, person, or event that precipitates a process or significant change.
“The new law was the catalyst for a huge protest in the city centre.”
“The sudden resignation of the CEO acted as a catalyst for the long-overdue restructuring of the entire department.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'for'.
03literature
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Theater Academic · Technical
n. an event at the start of a story that gets the main action moving.
n. an inciting incident within a narrative structure that initiates the primary conflict or plot progression.
“The discovery of the secret letter is the catalyst for all the drama in the play.”
“Critics argue that the protagonist's chance encounter in the first act serves as the essential catalyst for his eventual downfall.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“The discovery could enable smarter catalyst designs that boost clean power generation while making green hydrogen more energy-efficient.” “Chemists have developed a catalyst that breaks a long-standing rule governing which molecules receive electrons during chemical reactions.” “A new nanostructured carbon design lets fuel-cell catalysts use tiny amounts of platinum while remaining remarkably stable and efficient.” Etymology
From catalysis + -ist.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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