2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a person or thing as having a catalytic effect, you mean that they cause things to happen or they increase the speed at which things happen. [FORMAL ] □ Governments do, however, have a vital catalytic role in orchestrating rescue operations.
ca ta|lyt|ic con|ve rt|er (catalytic converters ) N‑COUNT A catalytic converter is a device which is fitted to a car's exhaust to reduce the pollution coming from it.
cata|ma|ran /kæ təməræ n/ (catamarans ) N‑COUNT A catamaran is a sailing boat with two parallel hulls that are held in place by a single deck.
cata|pult /kæ təpʌlt/ (catapults , catapulting , catapulted )
1 N‑COUNT A catapult is a device for shooting small stones. It is made of a Y-shaped stick with a piece of elastic tied between the two top parts. [BRIT ] in AM, use slingshot 2 VERB If someone or something catapults or is catapulted through the air, they are thrown very suddenly, quickly, and violently through it. □ [V prep] We've all seen enough dummies catapulting through windscreens in TV warnings to know the dangers of not wearing seat belts. □ [be V -ed prep/adv] He was catapulted into the side of the van. [Also V n prep/adv]
3 VERB If something catapults you into a particular state or situation, or if you catapult there, you are suddenly and unexpectedly caused to be in that state or situation. □ [be V -ed + into ] Suddenly she was catapulted into his jet-set lifestyle. □ [V + to ] Affleck catapulted to fame after picking up an Oscar.
cata|ract /kæ tərækt/ (cataracts ) N‑COUNT [usu pl, N n] Cataracts are layers over a person's eyes that prevent them from seeing properly. Cataracts usually develop because of old age or illness. □ Age is not a factor in cataract surgery.
ca|tarrh /kətɑː r / N‑UNCOUNT Catarrh is a medical condition in which a lot of mucus is produced in your nose and throat. You may get catarrh when you have a cold.
ca|tas|tro|phe /kətæ strəfi/ (catastrophes ) N‑COUNT A catastrophe is an unexpected event that causes great suffering or damage. □ From all points of view, war would be a catastrophe.
cata|stroph|ic /kæ təstrɒ f I k/
1 ADJ Something that is catastrophic involves or causes a sudden terrible disaster. □ A tidal wave caused by the earthquake hit the coast causing catastrophic damage. □ The water shortage in this country is potentially catastrophic. ● cata|strophi|cal|ly /kæ təstrɒ f I kli/ ADV [usu ADV after v] □ The faulty left-hand engine failed catastrophically as the aircraft approached the airport.
2 ADJ If you describe something as catastrophic , you mean that it is very bad or unsuccessful. □ …another catastrophic attempt to wrest control from a rival Christian militia. □ His mother's untimely death had a catastrophic effect on him. ● cata|strophi|cal|ly ADV [usu ADV after v] □ By the time we had to sell, prices had fallen catastrophically.
cata|ton|ic /kæ tətɒ n I k/ ADJ If you describe someone as being in a catatonic state, you mean that they are not moving or responding at all, usually as a result of illness, shock, or drugs. [MEDICAL , LITERARY ] □ …and the traumatised heroine sinks into a catatonic trance.
cat|bird seat /kæ tbɜː r d siːt/ PHRASE If you say that someone is in the catbird seat , you think that their situation is very good. [AM , INFORMAL ] □ If he had not been hurt, his team would be sitting in the catbird seat.
ca t bur|glar (cat burglars ) N‑COUNT A cat burglar is a thief who steals from houses or other buildings by climbing up walls and entering through windows or through the roof.
cat|call /kæ tkɔːl/ (catcalls ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Catcalls are loud noises that people make to show that they disapprove of something they are watching or listening to. □ The crowd responded with boos and catcalls.
catch ◆◆◇ /kæ tʃ/ (catches , catching , caught )
1 VERB If you catch a person or animal, you capture them after chasing them, or by using a trap, net, or other device. □ [V n] Police say they are confident of catching the gunman. □ [V n] Where did you catch the fish? □ [V -ed] I wondered if it was an animal caught in a trap.
2 VERB If you catch an object that is moving through the air, you seize it with your hands. □ [V n] I jumped up to catch a ball and fell over. ● N‑COUNT Catch is also a noun. □ He missed the catch and the match was lost.
3 VERB If you catch a part of someone's body, you take or seize it with your hand, often in order to stop them going somewhere. □ [V n] Liz caught his arm. □ [V n prep] He knelt beside her and caught her hand in both of his. □ [V n prep] Garrido caught her by the wrist.
4 VERB If one thing catches another, it hits it accidentally or manages to hit it. □ [V n] The stinging slap almost caught his face. □ [V n + with ] I may have caught him with my elbow but it was just an accident. □ [V n + on ] He caught her on the side of her head with his other fist.
5 VERB If something catches on or in an object or if an object catches something, it accidentally becomes attached to the object or stuck in it. □ [V prep] Her ankle caught on a root, and she almost lost her balance. □ [V n prep] A man caught his foot in the lawnmower.
6 VERB When you catch a bus, train, or plane, you get on it in order to travel somewhere. □ [V n] We were in plenty of time for Anthony to catch the ferry. □ [V n prep] He caught a taxi to Harrods.
7 VERB If you catch someone doing something wrong, you see or find them doing it. □ [V n v-ing] He caught a youth breaking into a car. □ [V n prep] They caught him on camera doing it more than once.