accelerator

• Nom désignant un dispositif ou une substance qui augmente la vitesse, le rythme ou l'activité, par exemple la pédale d'accélération d'un véhicule, un organe de réglage du carburant, un catalyseur chimique ou un instrument scientifique qui augmente l'énergie cinétique de particules chargées.

A noun referring to a device or substance that increases speed, rate, or activity, such as a pedal in a vehicle, a valve controlling fuel supply, a chemical catalyst, or a scientific instrument that boosts the kinetic energy of charged particles.

1. Vehicle pedalA2formal

   A foot-operated pedal in a vehicle that controls the throttle valve, regulating the engine's speed.

   Pédale d'accélérateur

   • She pressed the accelerator to overtake the truck.
   • The car's accelerator stuck, causing a sudden surge in speed.
   • He eased off the accelerator as he approached the corner.

   Synonymesgasgas pedalthrottle

2. Fuel regulation valveB2formal

   A valve that regulates the supply of fuel to the engine, controlling its power output.

   Soupape de régulation du carburant

   • The mechanic adjusted the accelerator to improve fuel efficiency.
   • A faulty accelerator can cause the engine to stall.
   • The accelerator controls the air-fuel mixture entering the engine.

   Synonymesthrottlethrottle valve

3. Chemical catalystB2formalscientific

   A substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction without being consumed or permanently changed.

   Catalyseur chimique

   • Platinum is used as an accelerator in many chemical reactions.
   • The accelerator reduced the reaction time from hours to minutes.
   • Adding an accelerator to the mixture caused an immediate reaction.

   Synonymescatalyst

4. Particle acceleratorB2formalscientific

   A scientific instrument that increases the kinetic energy of charged particles, used in physics research.

   Accélérateur de particules

   • The Large Hadron Collider is the world's largest particle accelerator.
   • Scientists use accelerators to study the fundamental particles of matter.
   • The accelerator fired protons at nearly the speed of light.

   Synonymesatom smasherparticle accelerator