1 accelerator | Definition of accelerator

accelerator

noun
ac·​cel·​er·​a·​tor | \ ik-ˈse-lə-ˌrā-tər How to pronounce accelerator (audio) , ak-\

Definition of accelerator

: one that accelerates: such as
a : a muscle or nerve that speeds the performance of an action
b : a device (such as a pedal) for controlling 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

Investigators say the girl hit the accelerator, striking Vazquez, one of his dogs and a tree. Fox News, "Texas dad charged with homicide after 12-year-old daughter crashes SUV into man and his dog," 17 Aug. 2019 Suddenly, the car accelerated forward, into the traffic lane, as though someone had pressed the accelerator pedal to the floor. Freep.com, "FREE PRESS INVESTIGATION: OUT OF GEAR Ford knew Focus, Fiesta models had flawed transmission, sold them anyway," 11 July 2019 Get a first look at green tech from local startups at this showcase from the accelerator program Solidworks. Max Jungreis, BostonGlobe.com, "The week ahead in business," 18 Aug. 2019 Winners can receive entrance into the TMCx accelerator program, professional services and cash prizes. Andrea Leinfelder, Houston Chronicle, "Program to connect women-led startups with large health care organizations," 6 Aug. 2019 Techstars runs 46 accelerator programs around the world, with sponsorship from companies including Amazon, MetLife and Barclays. Slade Rand, courant.com, "Tech innovators arrive in Hartford for 13-week summer startup ‘accelerator’ sponsored by Stanley Black & Decker and Techstars," 16 July 2019 Probably not, but an abundance of accelerator programs and easy capital means more people than ever have the chance to at least try their hand at launching a startup. Heather Mack, WSJ, "Accelerators Try Their Hand at Online Schools to Reach More Would-Be Founders," 13 Mar. 2019 That partnership will cover operating costs for gBETA, a seven-week mentoring and coaching accelerator program that will be held multiple times at UWM in 2018 and 2019. Karen Herzog, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Northwestern Mutual partnering with UWM, Marquette to start data science institute," 20 June 2018 Incubator and accelerator programs vary in their structure and ties to the university. Andrea Januta, The Christian Science Monitor, "US universities invest in student entrepreneurship," 10 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'accelerator.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of accelerator

1611, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for accelerator

accelerate + -or entry 1

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More Definitions for accelerator

accelerator

noun

English Language Learners Definition of accelerator

: a pedal in a vehicle that is pressed down to make the vehicle go faster
technical : a machine that causes charged particles (such as electrons and protons) to move at extremely high speeds

accelerator

noun
ac·​cel·​er·​a·​tor | \ ak-ˈse-lə-ˌrā-tər How to pronounce accelerator (audio) \

Kids Definition of accelerator

: a pedal in an automobile for controlling the speed of the motor

accelerator

noun
ac·​cel·​er·​a·​tor | \ ik-ˈsel-ə-ˌrāt-ər, ak- How to pronounce accelerator (audio) \

Medical Definition of accelerator

: 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)

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More from Merriam-Webster on accelerator

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with accelerator

Spanish Central: Translation of accelerator

Nglish: Translation of accelerator for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of accelerator for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about accelerator