Definition of "catalyst" in English

noun

1. (chemistry) A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.

2. (figurative) Something that encourages progress or change.

   • Economic development and integration are working as a catalyst for peace.
   • Rosa Parks was a true catalyst for change and she was only one person. Hearing about Rosa Parks and her protest showed me that there is hope for me and all the students in Ms. G's classes to truly be catalysts for change.

3. (literature) An inciting incident that sets the successive conflict into motion.

4. (automotive) A catalytic converter.

5. (fantasy) An object that facilitates the casting of a spell (such as a magic wand).