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Definition of: accelerate
(ak·sel′ə·rāt) v. ·at·ed, ·at·ing v.t.
1. To cause to act or move faster; increase the speed of.
2. Physics To increase the rate of change of (the linear or angular velocity of a body).
3. To hasten the natural or usual course of: to accelerate combustion.
4. To cause to happen ahead of time.
—v.i.
5. To move or become faster; to increase in speed. See synonyms under QUICKEN. [<L acceleratus, pp. of accelerare < ad- to + celerare hasten < celer quick]
—ac·cel·er·a·ble (ak·sel′ər·ə·b əl) adjective
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