Definition of "accelerator" in English

noun

1. One who, or that which, accelerates.

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

2. A device for causing acceleration.

3. (chemistry) A substance which speeds up chemical reactions.

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

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

5. (photography) A chemical that reduces development time.

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

7. (physiology, medicine) A muscle or nerve that speeds the performance of an action.

8. (computing) An accelerator key.

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

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

11. (business) A mentoring program for startup companies.