/ak sel"euhr euhnt/ , n.
1. something that speeds up a process.
2. Chem. accelerator (def. 5).
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.
[ 1915-20; accelerant- (s. of accelerans ) hastening (prp. of accelerare ). See ACCELERATE ]