Accelerator
/əkˈselərətər/
Definitions
2 meaningsA device or means for increasing the speed of something, especially a vehicle or machine.
/əkˈselərətər/
device to increase speed
She gently pressed the accelerator to avoid startling the passengers.
💡 Simply: A thing that makes things go faster.
More Examples
The country is investing in a new particle accelerator for scientific research.
How It's Used
"The car's accelerator was worn out and needed replacement."
"In physics, an accelerator is a machine that increases the speed of charged particles."
A substance which increases the rate of a chemical reaction or speed of a process, especially in construction or chemical processes.
/əkˈselərətər/
substance that accelerates a reaction
The addition of a catalyst as an accelerator produced significant improvements in efficiency.
💡 Simply: A chemical to make things happen faster.
More Examples
The road contractor used an accelerator to speed up the curing of the concrete.
How It's Used
"The chemist added an accelerator to the reaction to speed it up."
"Concrete accelerators are used to shorten drying times."
Idioms & expressions
accelerate to the fast lane
To become faster or more efficient in a process or situation.
"The company is accelerating to the fast lane by implementing new technology."
Derived from the Latin 'accelerare,' meaning 'to lengthen, prolong,' composed of 'ad-' (to) and 'celerare' (to hasten, speed up). The term has been adapted to mean devices and processes that increase speed or acceleration.
The term 'accelerator' first appeared in the mid-18th century, originally referring to a component used in early steam engines to increase the power of the piston.
Memory tip
Think of it as something that speeds things up.