Other forms: catalysts
A catalyst is a substance that speeds a reaction without being used up. A catalytic converter, act as a catalyst, the catalyst for change.
Not being consumed is the whole point: a small amount works over and over. Enzymes are the body's catalysts and a catalytic converter is a car's. Figuratively a catalyst is a person or event that starts change without being the change — the catalyst for the reform. Note catalytic, catalyse; and that the metaphor is precise enough to be worth keeping precise.
1nouncatalystA substance that speeds a reaction without being used up.
“Platinum is used as a catalyst in car exhausts to clean the gases.”
2nouneventA person or event that starts change.
“The factory fire was the catalyst for new safety laws.”
catalyst is an accelerator of change.
From catalysis + -ist.
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA
Practised in Science & Space, Chemistry & Elements