accelerant

noun

ac·​cel·​er·​ant ik-ˈse-lə-rənt How to pronounce accelerant (audio)
ak-
: a substance used to accelerate a process (such as the spreading of a fire)

Examples of accelerant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Share [Findings] Arson dogs’ noses remain better than lab equipment at detecting certain accelerants. Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2024 The fire debris samples collected were negative for accelerants and no evidence was found to suspect arson, according to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF) fire investigators. Michelle Cruz, The Arizona Republic, 28 Feb. 2024 The Boring Company reported six specific injuries to OSHA between February and July that were related to the accelerant specifically, according to records. Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 27 Feb. 2024 The victim had been walking at the intersection of North Capitol Street and P Street Northwest, located about a mile north of the National Mall, when an unidentified man approached him and doused him in liquid accelerant, according to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2024 Gas was used as an accelerant, according to authorities. Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 1 Dec. 2023 Though headwinds such as Apple Inc. downgrades and heavy corporate issuance weighed on markets, complacent investor positioning particularly around central-bank policy was the key accelerant. Lu Wang, Fortune, 5 Jan. 2024 Indiana football's coaching change added some accelerant to the Hoosiers' work in the transfer portal. Matthew Glenesk, The Indianapolis Star, 2 Jan. 2024 Political turmoil and the economic havoc of the pandemic are fueling the increase, but officials from Colombia to the United States say cellphones and social media are undoubtedly accelerants. Julie Turkewitz, New York Times, 20 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'accelerant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of accelerant was in 1824

Dictionary Entries Near accelerant

Cite this Entry

“Accelerant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accelerant. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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