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.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Follow your inner moonlight; don't hide the madness. -Allen Ginsberg said in his book "Madness Sells". (1926-1997)
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CAVALYST - a caver who instigates others to go down while he remains on top