What is a substance that accelerates a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process called?

A substance that accelerates a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process is known as a catalyst. Catalysts function by providing an alternative pathway for the reaction to occur that requires lower activation energy, which speeds up the reaction while remaining unchanged at the end. They can be crucial in many chemical processes, including industrial applications and biological reactions (like enzyme activity).

In contrast, a reagent is a substance that is used to cause a chemical reaction or is present during a reaction but may be consumed in the process. A solvent is a substance in which another substance (the solute) is dissolved, and it generally does not participate in the chemical reaction itself. A product is a substance that is formed as a result of a chemical reaction, so it is also not what is being asked for in this context.