Accelerant

Origin

• First attested in 1854.
• accelerate + -ant

Full definition of accelerant

Noun

1. (chemistry) Any substance that can bond, mix, or disturb another substance and cause an increase in the speed of a natural or artificial chemical process.
2. A substance that accelerates the development of a fire; especially some petroleum product used to spread an act of arson
3. (chemistry) A substance used to catalyze the vulcanization of rubber