catalyst
Speeds reactions up
A catalyst is something that triggers or accelerates change without being consumed by it.
The term comes from chemistry, where a catalyst speeds up reactions while remaining chemically unchanged.
The figurative sense now dominates: The assassination was the catalyst for war.
A person can be a catalyst: She was the catalyst who finally got the team working together.
Starting combustion process
- triggerWhat initiates action
- kindlingMaterial for starting fires
- sparkTiny fiery particle
- flintSpark-producing sedimentary rock
match · fuse · primer · detonator · flashpoint · combustion · incitement · impetus
One who provokes action
- agitatorOne who foments discord
- provocateurOne who deliberately incites
- trailblazerFirst to forge ahead
- pioneerEarly explorer or settler
firebrand · rabble-rouser · galvanizer · mobilizer · activator · motivator · organizer · leader
Thorough change in form
- triggerWhat initiates action
- impetusForce initiating action
- watershedDrainage area boundary
- breakthroughSudden important advance
shift · transition · metamorphosis · evolution · revolution · reform · disruption · upheaval
ignition
Starting combustion process
flint · match · fuse · primer · detonator · flashpoint · combustion · incitement · impetus · stimulus
instigator
One who provokes action
- agitatorOne who foments discord
- provocateurOne who deliberately incites
- trailblazerFirst to forge ahead
pioneer · firebrand · rabble-rouser · galvanizer · mobilizer · activator · motivator · organizer · leader · crusader
transformation
Thorough change in form
breakthrough · shift · transition · metamorphosis · evolution · revolution · reform · disruption · upheaval · sea-change
reagent
Substance prompting chemical change
- enzymeProtein that hastens reactions
- substrateUnderlying supporting material
- reactionResponse to stimulus
compound · synthesis · molecule · kinetics · reactivity · inhibitor · cofactor · platinum · palladium · nickel
- chemistryatom, atoms, organic chemistry, molecule, chemistry
- Lab Chemicalssodium hydroxide, acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, potassium chloride, sodium chloride
- electrolyzer partsanode, cathode, electrode, membrane, electrolyte
- Fuel Cellshydrogen fuel cell, anode, cathode, membrane, electrolyte
- kineticsreaction rate, activation energy, reaction rates, second order, threshold energy
- chemicalschemicals, compounds, acids, reagents, solutions
catalystinhibitor
Agent that slows reactions
retardant · anticatalyst · suppressor · suppressant · obstruction
catalystinhibitor
Agent that slows reactions
blocker · obstruction · blockage · impediment · barrier
catalyststabilizer
Thing ensuring steadiness
preserver · maintainer · conservator · inertia · status quo
- catalytic converterExhaust detoxification unit
- catalytic converter theftStealing vehicle emission components
- palladium catalysisMetal-assisted bond formation
- catalytic reformingChemical upgrading of naphtha
catalyze, catalytic, catalysis, catalysts, catalyzed, catalyzing, catalyzes, catalytic converter