accelerator meaning and definition

ACCELERATOR noun

Definition of accelerator (noun)

1. a pedal that controls the throttle valve
   • "he stepped on the gas"
   • synonyms: accelerator pedal, gas, gas pedal, gun, throttle
2. a valve that regulates the supply of fuel to the engine
   • synonyms: throttle, throttle valve
3. (chemistry) a substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected
   • synonyms: catalyst
   • antonym: anticatalyst
4. a scientific instrument that increases the kinetic energy of charged particles
   • synonyms: atom smasher, particle accelerator