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

Example sentences from the Web for accelerant

British Dictionary definitions for accelerant

accelerant
/ (ækˈsɛlərənt) /

noun

chem another name for accelerator (def. 3)

Word Origin for accelerant

C20: from Latin from accelerāns, present participle of accelerāre to go faster

Medical definitions for accelerant

accelerant
[ ăk-sĕlər-ənt ]

n.

Accelerator.

Scientific definitions for accelerant

accelerant
[ ăk-sĕlər-ənt ]

A substance, such as a petroleum distillate, that is used as a catalyst, as in spreading an intentionally set fire.