accelerator

noun

plural accelerators
: one that accelerates: such as
a
: a muscle or nerve that speeds the performance of an action
b
: a device (such as a gas pedal) for increasing 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Broadcom refers to its custom AI accelerators as XPUs, which are different than the GPUs Nvidia sells. Ari Levy, CNBC, 16 Dec. 2024 This eight-month social accelerator program provides participants with $75,000 in grant funding and vital resources to promote equity in sports while growing their businesses. Essence, 13 Dec. 2024 When letting off the accelerator, the vehicle will begin to decelerate. Mark Maynard, The Mercury News, 13 Dec. 2024 With an initial $1 million federal grant, Wave launched its first accelerator in 2013. Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for accelerator 

Word History

Etymology

accelerate + -or entry 1

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of accelerator was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near accelerator

Cite this Entry

“Accelerator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accelerator. Accessed 29 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

accelerator

noun
1
: one that accelerates
2
: a device (as a pedal) in a motor vehicle used to control the speed of the motor
3
: a device that is used to give high velocities to charged particles (as electrons and protons)

Medical Definition

accelerator

noun
: 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)

More from Merriam-Webster on accelerator

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