catalyst
US /ˈkæt̬.əl.ɪst/
UK /ˈkæt̬.əl.ɪst/
1.
a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change
:
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Enzymes act as biological catalysts in the body.
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The platinum is used as a catalyst in the reaction.
2.
a person or thing that precipitates an event or change
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Her speech was the catalyst for change in the community.
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The new policy acted as a catalyst for economic growth.