catalyst
//ˈkæt.əl.ɪst//
Noun
catalystSingular
catalystsPlural
1
A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change.
Platinum is used as a catalyst in many chemical reactions.
2
A person or thing that precipitates an event or change, especially without being directly involved in or affected by the consequences.
The new policy became a catalyst for social change.