[ak-sel-er-uh
nt] 
| 1. | something that speeds up a process. |
| 2. | Chemistry. accelerator (def. 5). |
| 3. | 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. |
[ak-sel-uh-rey-ter] | 1. | a person or thing that accelerates. |
| 2. | Automotive. a device, usually operated by the foot, for controlling the speed of an engine. |
| 3. | British. any two- or three-wheeled motor vehicle, as a motorcycle or motor scooter. |
| 4. | Photography. a chemical, usually an alkali, added to a developer to increase the rate of development. |
| 5. | Also called accelerant. Chemistry. any substance that increases the speed of a chemical change, as one that increases the rate of vulcanization of rubber or that hastens the setting of concrete, mortar, plaster, or the like. |
| 6. | Anatomy, Physiology. any muscle, nerve, or activating substance that quickens a movement. |
| 7. | Also called atom smasher, particle accelerator. Physics. an electrostatic or electromagnetic device, as a cyclotron, that produces high-energy particles and focuses them on a target. |
| 8. | Economics. acceleration coefficient. |
| ac·cel·er·ant (āk-sěl'ər-ənt) n. A substance, such as a petroleum distillate, that is used as a catalyst, as in spreading an intentionally set fire. |
accelerant ac·cel·er·ant (āk-sěl'ər-ənt)
n.
Accelerator.
accelerator ac·cel·er·a·tor (āk-sěl'ə-rā'tər)
n.
One that increases rapidity of action or function.
A nerve, muscle, or substance that quickens movement or response.
A catalyst.