catalizzatore

catalyst

noun kah-tah-leed-dzah-TOH-reh Rare

Origin: From Greek katalytēs, from katalyein (to dissolve, to untie).

Usage Note

Catalizzatore is used in both chemistry (a substance that speeds up a reaction) and figuratively as a catalyst for social or political change. In automotive Italian it also refers to the catalytic converter (marmitta catalitica or simply catalizzatore). The related verb is catalizzare (to catalyse, to attract and concentrate).

Examples

"La crisi è stata un catalizzatore di cambiamento."

Natural Translation

The crisis was a catalyst for change.

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