accelerator — English Dictionary

Noun

1. One who, or that which, accelerates.

   Examples

   The Second World War is said to have been a great accelerator for many scientific findings.

2. A device for causing acceleration.

3. A substance which speeds up chemical reactions.

4. A pedal causing the vehicle to accelerate when it is pressed.

   Examples

   As soon as you get onto the slipway, push the accelerator.

5. A chemical that reduces development time.

6. A device that accelerates charged subatomic particles; a particle accelerator.

7. A muscle or nerve that speeds the performance of an action.

8. An accelerator key.

   Examples

   If they had allowed single-character accelerators, Windows wouldn't be able to determine whether the character was input or a shortcut.

9. A computer component using dedicated hardware to accelerate the processing and display of graphics.

10. A light van to take mails between a post office and a railway station.

    Usage

    • Historical

11. A mentoring program for startup companies.

    Examples

    More examples (1)

    In the nineties, before the accelerator era, startups were usually launched by mid-career engineers or repeat entrepreneurs, who sought millions in venture capital and then labored in secret on something complicated that took years to launch.

Noun

1. a pedal that controls the throttle valve

   Synonyms

   accelerator pedalgas pedalgasthrottlegun

   Broader terms

   pedaltreadlefoot pedalfoot lever

   Examples

   he stepped on the gas

2. a valve that regulates the supply of fuel to the engine

   Synonyms

   throttlethrottle valve

   Broader terms

   valve

3. (chemistry) a substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected

   Synonyms

   catalyst

   Broader terms

   activator

4. a scientific instrument that increases the kinetic energy of charged particles

   Synonyms

   particle acceleratoratom smasher

   Broader terms

   scientific instrument