1. a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process
Usage: chemistry
2. a person or thing that causes or accelerates significant change or action

Examples

• The enzyme acts as a catalyst in breaking down proteins.
• Platinum is used as a catalyst in car exhaust systems.
• The new teacher became a catalyst for educational reform.
• The economic crisis served as a catalyst for political change.
• Without a catalyst, the reaction would take hours to complete.
• Her speech was the catalyst that sparked the movement.
• The scandal acted as a catalyst for new regulations.