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
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The fire, according to Jackson, later extinguished itself after running out of oxygen and fuel, and never connected to the accelerants placed in the other rooms. Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025 Share [Findings] Arson dogs’ noses remain better than lab equipment at detecting certain accelerants. Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025 Fox’s comments have lit an accelerant on this situation as one to monitor immediately before the trade deadline, plus the remaining months ahead before a looming extension offer from Sacramento this summer. Evan Sidery, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024 The new Trump team believes government needs to be an accelerant, not a deterrent. Axios, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for accelerant 

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 21 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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