Accelerator

/əkˈsɛləreɪtər/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A device that increases the speed of a process or the rate of an action.
The accelerator on the car was pressed down to increase its speed.
A component in a vehicle that controls the speed by regulating fuel intake or propulsion.
He pressed the accelerator gently to avoid skidding on the wet road.
A program or service that helps startups and entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.
The startup joined an accelerator to receive mentorship and funding.
A particle accelerator, a type of machine that uses electromagnetic fields to propel charged particles to high speeds.
The physicists conducted their experiments in a large particle accelerator.

Etymology

From Latin 'accelerare', meaning 'to hasten'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

push the accelerator
To speed up or increase the pace of something.
accelerator program
A program designed to support the rapid growth of startups.
increased acceleration
A rapid increase in speed or rate.

Related Words

decelerator
A mechanism that slows down speed.
speed
The rate at which an object covers distance.
velocity
The speed of something in a given direction.

Slang Meanings

Speedster
He's such a speedster when he drives; he knows how to use the accelerator.
Go pedal
Step on the go pedal if you want to win the race.