Definition of CATALYST

catalyst

Plural: catalysts

Noun

  • A substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed.
  • (chemistry) a substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected
  • something that causes an important event to happen
    • "the invasion acted as a catalyst to unite the country"
  • A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.
  • Something that encourages progress or change.
  • An inciting incident that sets the successive conflict into motion.
  • A catalytic converter.
  • An object that facilitates the casting of a spell (such as a magic wand).

Examples

  • Economic development and integration are working as a catalyst for peace.
  • The "S" tile was a CATALYST, allowing him to pluralize his word for double points.

Origin / Etymology

From catalysis + -ist.

Synonyms

accelerator, stimulus, straw that stirs the drink

Scrabble Score: 13

catalyst: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
catalyst: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
catalyst: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 14

catalyst: valid Words With Friends Word