THE FIRST WORD

catalyst

PRONUNCIATION:

(KAT-uh-list) 

MEANING:

noun
1. A substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without changing itself.
2. Someone or something that causes an event or change to happen.

ETYMOLOGY:

Via Latin, from Greek katalusis, from kataluein (to dissolve), from kata- (down) + luein (loosen). Ultimately from the Indo-European root leu- (to loosen, divide), which is also the source of forlorn, lag, loss, solve, analysis, and resolute. Earliest documented use: 1902.

USAGE:

"Doctoroff had seen how the Games served as a growth catalyst for host cities -- Tokyo expanded its subway system, Atlanta transformed its downtown."
Ken Auletta; After Bloomberg; The New Yorker; Aug 26, 2013.