accelerator
Translation
gas pedal, accelerator
Examples
He pressed his foot on the accelerator.
He pressed his foot on the accelerator.
A catalyst can act as an accelerator.
A catalyst can act as an accelerator.
Grammar Patterns
((countable)) a pedal that controls the speed of a vehicle's engine He pressed his foot on the accelerator.
((countable)) something that makes a process happen more quickly A catalyst can act as an accelerator.
Similar Words
Synonyms: gas pedal (for a car)
Etymology
From 'accelerate' + the suffix '-or', indicating an agent or instrument. Something that causes acceleration.
Memory Tips
The thing you press with your foot in a car to 'accelerate'. The '-or' suffix often means 'a thing that does something'.