accelerator

noun

ac·​cel·​er·​a·​tor ik-ˈse-lə-ˌrā-tər 

ak-

plural accelerators

: one that accelerates: such as

a

: a muscle or nerve that speeds the performance of an action

b

: a device (such as a gas pedal) for increasing the speed of a motor vehicle engine

c

: a substance that speeds a chemical reaction

d

: an apparatus for imparting high velocities to charged particles (such as electrons)

e

: an item of computer hardware that increases the speed at which a program or function operates

a graphics accelerator

Examples of accelerator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Abacus was only formed in 2020, but Ford saw an opportunity to put the foot on the accelerator with the Sphere deal when the opportunity arose. —Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2024

The accelerator helps startups quickly find product-market fit by conducting field trials and providing commercialization support. —Marianne Lehnis, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024

Campbell added sponsorship opportunities and a new accelerator program for underrepresented small businesses called Project Elevate, which embodies the company’s entrepreneurial spirit. —Emiliana Betancourt, Variety, 11 Oct. 2024

At Marshalls’ Good Stuff Social Club event in Chicago Oct. 5, Chopra spoke to an excited group of attendees about her decision to partner with Marshalls’ inaugural accelerator program and some of the experiences which shaped her sense of self. —Lu Calada, People.com, 11 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

accelerate + -or entry 1

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing accelerator

• accelerator mass spectrometry
• linear accelerator
• particle accelerator

Kids Definition

accelerator

noun

ac·​cel·​er·​a·​tor ik-ˈsel-ə-ˌrāt-ər 

ak-

1

: one that accelerates

2

: a device (as a pedal) in a motor vehicle used to control the speed of the motor

3

: a device that is used to give high velocities to charged particles (as electrons and protons)

Medical Definition

accelerator

noun

ac·​cel·​er·​a·​tor ik-ˈsel-ə-ˌrāt-ər, ak- 

: one that accelerates: as

a

: a muscle or nerve that speeds the performance of an action

a cardiac accelerator

b

: a substance that speeds a chemical reaction

c

: an apparatus for imparting high velocities to charged particles (as electrons)