accelerant

noun

ac·​cel·​er·​ant ik-ˈse-lə-rənt How to pronounce accelerant (audio)
ak-
: a substance used to accelerate a process (such as the spreading of a fire)

Examples of accelerant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The ingredient makes your skin more susceptible to sun damage, which is already one of the main accelerants of epidermal aging. Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 16 June 2026 Investigators determined the fire was intentionally set and found evidence consistent with the use of an accelerant. Jason Rantala, CBS News, 15 June 2026 The downturn started with the ubiquity of smartphones, social media, and various forms of educational technology that have proved inefficient, with the pandemic acting as an accelerant. Tristan Bove, Fortune, 8 June 2026 What Quietly Drains Bone Density On the other side of the equation, Johns Hopkins Medicine flags smoking, heavy alcohol use, prolonged sitting and very low calorie diets as significant accelerants of bone loss. Allison Palmer updated June 3, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for accelerant

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of accelerant was in 1824

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Cite this Entry

“Accelerant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accelerant. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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