accelerant
[ ak-sel-er-uh nt ]
/ ækˈsɛl ər ənt /
noun
something that speeds up a process.
Chemistry.
accelerator(def 5).
a substance that accelerates the spread of fire or makes a fire more intense: Arson was suspected when police found accelerants at the scene of the fire.
Origin of accelerant
1915–20; < Latin
accelerant- (stem of
accelerāns) hastening (present participle of
accelerāre). See
accelerate
Words nearby accelerant
accc,
accd,
accede,
accel.,
accelerando,
accelerant,
accelerate,
accelerated reader,
accelerating universe,
acceleration,
acceleration clause
Example sentences from the Web for accelerant
Thrown into the Middle East pyre, the Zionism-racism charge has been an accelerant, angering, alienating, polarizing both sides.
British Dictionary definitions for accelerant
Word Origin for accelerant
C20: from Latin from
accelerāns, present participle of
accelerāre to go faster
Medical definitions for accelerant
accelerant
[ ăk-sĕl′ər-ənt ]
n.
Accelerator.
Scientific definitions for accelerant
accelerant
[ ăk-sĕl′ər-ənt ]
A substance, such as a petroleum distillate, that is used as a catalyst, as in spreading an intentionally set fire.