adjective
catalytic
kat-uh-LIT-ik/ˌkætəˈlɪtɪk/
Causing or speeding up a process or change.
The new enzyme has a strong catalytic effect on the reaction.
Etymology
The image is of loosening something completely, hence dissolving it. Initially applied to the power to decompose chemical compounds, catalytic now describes promoting a reaction or, figuratively, a major change.
In context
somebody you trust taking you by the hand to try some new kind of scary thing that that that is the best mechanism for causing large-scale change it's sort of catalytic in that way
More examples
- The protest plays a catalytic role in the reform movement.
- The experiment compares the metals' catalytic activity.
- Her discovery becomes a catalytic force in the field.
Similar words
- stimulating
- Encourages activity without necessarily functioning as a catalyst.
- transformative
- Emphasizes substantial change rather than causing or speeding a process.