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cocatalyst

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: //koʊˈkætəˌlɪst//

KK: /koʊˈkætəˌlɪst/

noun
Definition

A substance that works together with another catalyst to enhance their effectiveness in a chemical reaction.


Example

In the experiment, the cocatalyst significantly increased the reaction rate.


Conversation
Sloth A
I just read about how a cocatalyst can enhance chemical reactions.
Sloth B
Really? I didn’t know that! How does it work?
Sloth A
It seems like they work together to boost each other's effectiveness.
Sloth B
That makes sense. Teamwork can be really powerful in chemistry!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
promoter
enhancer
facilitator
Antonyms
inhibitor
suppressor
blocker
Root Explanation

Cocatalyst → It is formed from "co-" (meaning together) and "catalyst" (from Greek "katalusis", meaning to dissolve or break down). The word "cocatalyst" refers to a substance that works together with a catalyst to enhance a chemical reaction.

Memory Tip

Think of 'working together' ('co-') with a 'substance that breaks down' ('catalyst') to remember that a cocatalyst helps a catalyst in a chemical reaction.

Visually Confused Words
catalyst
biocatalyst
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