accelerant

[ak-sel-er-uhnt]

noun

1. something that speeds up a process.

2. Chemistry.,  accelerator.

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.

accelerant

/ ækˈsɛlərənt /

noun

1. chem another name for accelerator

accelerant

1. A substance, such as a petroleum distillate, that is used as a catalyst, as in spreading an intentionally set fire.

Word History and Origins

Origin of accelerant¹

1915–20; < Latin accelerant- (stem of accelerāns ) hastening (present participle of accelerāre ). See accelerate

Word History and Origins

Origin of accelerant¹

C20: from Latin from accelerāns, present participle of accelerāre to go faster

Example Sentences

Soon after, the shooter set the church ablaze using gasoline or another accelerant, officials said.

From BBC

It functions as an accelerant to political violence.

From Slate

The force said an accelerant was used to start the fire.

From BBC

A man in his 40s and a woman in her 30s were inside the property in Princess Avenue when an accelerant was poured through the letterbox on the front door and set alight.

From BBC

The samples were rejected as they needed to be airtight so they could retain vapour from any potential accelerant used, he added.

From BBC