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catalyseur

catalyst

noun kah-tah-lee-ZUHR Rare
People & Society Values

Origin: Greek katalysis, dissolution

Usage Note

Catalyseur is used in chemistry for a substance that speeds a reaction without being consumed, and widely in figurative speech for a person or event that triggers change (un catalyseur de croissance, a growth catalyst). The related verb is catalyser. In French automotive usage, catalyseur also refers to the catalytic converter in a car's exhaust.

Examples

"Cette crise a été un catalyseur de changement."

Natural Translation

This crisis was a catalyst for change.

Literal Translation

This crisis has been a catalyst of change.

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