'catalyst' originates from the Greek word 'katalysis,' where 'kata-' meant 'down' and 'lysis' meant 'loosening.'

'katalysis' transformed into the French word 'catalyse,' and eventually became the modern English word 'catalyst' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'loosening down,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction.'