catalysts

cat·a·lyst   (kāt'l-ĭst)    n.   Chemistry A substance, usually used in small amounts relative to the reactants, that modifies and increases the rate of a reaction without being consumed in the process. One that precipitates a process or event, especially without being involved in or changed by the consequences: "A free press ... has remained ... a vital catalyst to an informed and responsible electorate" (Robert O'Neal). [From catalysis.]

catalyst [(kat-uh-list)]

In chemistry, a substance that causes a chemical reaction to occur but is not itself involved in the reaction.

Note: The term catalyst is often used to refer to the prime agent of any change: “She was the catalyst for the reorganization.”

catalyst 

Main Entry: cat·a·lyst
Pronunciation: 'kat-^&l-&st
Function: noun
: a substance (as an enzyme) that enables a chemicalreaction to proceed under different conditions (as at a lower temperature) than otherwise possible

catalyst cat·a·lyst (kāt'l-ĭst)
n.
A substance, usually used in small amounts relative to the reactants, that modifies and increases the rate of a reaction without being consumed in the process.

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cat'a·lyt'ic (kāt'l-ĭt'ĭk) adj.

catalyst   (kāt'l-ĭst)  Pronunciation Key  A substance that starts or speeds up a chemical reaction while undergoing no permanent change itself. The enzymes in saliva, for example, are catalysts in digestion. catalytic adjective (kāt'l-ĭt'ĭk)