Catalyst vs. Inhibitor — What's the Difference?

A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change

One that inhibits, as a substance that retards or stops a chemical reaction.

(Chemistry) A substance, usually used in small amounts relative to the reactants, that modifies and increases the rate of a reaction without being consumed in the process.

One who or that which inhibits.

One that precipitates a process or event, especially without being involved in or changed by the consequences

(chemistry) Any substance capable of stopping or slowing a specific chemical reaction.

(chemistry) A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.

(biology) Any substance capable of stopping or slowing a specific biological process

Something that encourages progress or change.

That which causes inhibitory action; esp., an inhibitory nerve.

(literature) An inciting incident that sets the successive conflict into motion.

A substance that retards or stops an activity

(automotive) A catalytic converter.

(fantasy) An object that facilitates the casting of a spell (such as a magic wand).

A substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected; as, thousands of enzymes serve in concert as calaysts to produce the sequence of reactions we call "life"; the industrial production of cheap ammonia depended on finding a good catalyst.

Something that serves as a precipitating occasion for an event; as, the invasion acted as a catalyst to unite the country.

Something or someone that causes events to happen with itself being changed.

(chemistry) a substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected

Something that causes an important event to happen;