柯林斯英英词典

accelerator [æk'sεlə"reɪtə]

1. 1. n [物理学] atom smasher a machine for increasing the kinetic energy of subatomic particles or atomic nuclei and focusing them on a target

2. 2. n a device for increasing speed, esp a pedal for controlling the fuel intake in a motor vehicle; throttle

3. 3. n [chem] a substance that increases the speed of a chemical reaction, esp one that increases the rate of vulcanization of rubber, the rate of development in photography, the rate of setting of synthetic resins, or the rate of setting of concrete; catalyst

4. 4. n [经济学] (in an economy) the relationship between the rate of change in output or sales and the consequent change in the level of investment

5. 5. n [anatomy] a muscle or nerve that increases the rate of a function