different between catalyst vs hardener

English

Etymology

From catalysis +? -ist.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /?kæt.?l.?st/
• (US) IPA^(key): /?kæt.?.l?st/

Noun

catalyst (plural catalysts)

1. (chemistry) A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.
   • 1988, Lubert Stryer Biochemistry, 3rd edition, page 177

     Enzymes, the catalysts of biological systems, are remarkable molecular devices that determine the pattern of chemical transformations.

2. Someone or something that encourages progress or change.

   Economic development and integration are working as a catalyst for peace.

   • 2006, The Freedom Writers, with Erin Gruwell, The Freedom Writers Diary: How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them, Diary 74

     Rosa Parks was a true catalyst for change and she was only one person. Hearing about Rosa Parks and her protest showed me that there is hope for me and all the students in Ms. G's classes to truly be catalysts for change.
3. (literature) An inciting incident that sets the successive conflict into motion.
4. (automotive) A catalytic converter.

Synonyms

• (Someone or something that encourages progress or change): stimulus, straw that stirs the drink

Antonyms

• (something that encourages change): inhibitor
• (something that enhances or accelerates): dampener

Derived terms

• catalyse, catalyze
• catalysis
• catalytic

Translations

See also

• enzyme

English

Etymology

harden +? -er

Noun

hardener (plural hardeners)

1. One who, or that which, hardens.

   the hardener of hearts

2. A chemical substance added to something in order to harden it; used especially with paints, varnishes and resins.

Anagrams

• reharden