As of 2019, Starbucks opens a new store every 15 hours in China. The coffee chain has grown by 700% over the past decade.
CATALYST
catalyst
(noun) something that causes an important event to happen; “the invasion acted as a catalyst to unite the country”
catalyst, accelerator
(noun) (chemistry) a substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
catalyst (plural catalysts)
(chemistry) A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.
Someone or something that encourages progress or change.
(literature) An inciting incident that sets the successive conflict into motion.
(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
Source: Wiktionary
Recent Word Finds
Word of the Day
18 April 2025
GROIN
(noun) the crease at the junction of the inner part of the thigh with the trunk together with the adjacent region and often including the external genitals
Coffee Trivia
