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

Disney selected DramaBox for its accelerator program, exploring short-form storytelling around familiar franchises, and introduced Verts, a vertical video discovery experience on Disney+. — Scott Schiller, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026

Including one that saw its accelerator pedal getting stuck at max, probably the most dangerous one besides the wheel issue. — New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026

Musk has said that Tesla would soon be making its Cybercab — a small vehicle with room for only two people and no steering wheel, accelerator or brake pedals — in greater number than all its other vehicles combined. — Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2026

These included issues involving its accelerator pedal, exterior components, and drive systems, adding to the challenges surrounding its production and ownership. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026

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

Rhymes for accelerator

• accumulator
• adjudicator
• administrator
• appropriator
• articulator
• attenuator
• bronchodilator
• collaborator
• communicator
• conciliator
• cooperator
• coordinator

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)