Definition

1. Noun:
   • A scientific instrument: A device, often very large and complex, that uses electromagnetic fields to propel charged particles (like electrons or protons) to very high speeds and energies. These are used for research in physics.
   • A substance in chemistry: A catalyst; a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed or permanently changed in the process.
   • A pedal in a vehicle: The foot-operated control in a motor vehicle that regulates the flow of fuel to the engine, thereby controlling the vehicle's speed. Commonly called the "gas pedal."
   • A mechanical valve: A device, often linked to the accelerator pedal, that regulates the supply of fuel or the air-fuel mixture to an engine.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Scientific Instrument):
  • Scientists at CERN use a large particle accelerator to study fundamental particles.
  • The new linear accelerator can achieve energies previously thought impossible.
• Noun (Chemical Substance):
  • This compound acts as an accelerator in the vulcanization of rubber.
  • Adding an accelerator to the epoxy resin will make it harden much faster.
• Noun (Vehicle Pedal):
  • She pressed the accelerator to merge onto the highway.
  • The driver took his foot off the accelerator as he approached the curve.

Advanced Usage

• "Particle accelerator": The full, precise term for the scientific instrument.
  • The Large Hadron Collider is the world's most powerful particle accelerator.
• "Step on the accelerator": An idiom meaning to press the gas pedal, often to go faster.
  • When the light turned green, he stepped on the accelerator.

Variants and Related Words

• Accelerate (verb): To increase in speed or rate.
  • The car began to accelerate rapidly.
• Acceleration (noun): The act or process of accelerating; the rate of change of velocity.
  • The sports car has impressive acceleration.
• Catalyst (noun): A close synonym in the chemical sense.
• Throttle (noun/verb): A related term for the valve or lever that controls engine power; often used interchangeably with "accelerator" in the context of the pedal.

Synonyms

• For the pedal: Gas pedal, throttle.
• For the chemical agent: Catalyst, promoter.
• For the scientific machine: Particle accelerator, atom smasher (informal).

Related Phrasal Verbs/Idioms

• "Put the pedal to the metal": An informal idiom meaning to drive very fast or to accelerate hard, directly related to pressing the accelerator pedal.
  • If we want to get there on time, we'll have to put the pedal to the metal.

Noun

1. a scientific instrument that increases the kinetic energy of charged particles
2. (chemistry) a substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected
3. a valve that regulates the supply of fuel to the engine
4. a pedal that controls the throttle valve
   • he stepped on the gas