English · Science & Technology
catalytic
/ˌkæt.əˈlɪt.ɪk/
[/ˌkæt.əˈlɪt.ɪk/]
causing or speeding up change
Advancedadjective
Definition
Something catalytic causes or accelerates an important change. Speakers describe a catalytic moment that set everything in motion.
Example
That meeting had a catalytic effect on the whole team.
That meeting had a catalytic effect on the whole team.
Etymology
From Greek 'katalysis', meaning dissolution; used for chemistry from the 19th century.
How & Where It’s Used
Used for agents or moments that spark and speed up change.