Decelerator: meaning, definitions and examples

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decelerator

 

[ dɪˈsɛləˌreɪtər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in physics

A device or substance that retards or slows down the motion, speed, or progress of something.

Synonyms

brake, dampener, inhibitor, retarder.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
decelerator

Used mainly in technical or scientific contexts to refer to something that slows down a process, movement or reaction.

  • - The decelerator mechanism ensured the spacecraft landed safely
  • - Engineers installed a chemical decelerator to control the reaction speed
brake

Commonly used in everyday language to refer to a device for slowing or stopping a vehicle or machine.

  • - She applied the brake to avoid hitting the deer
  • - The car's brakes need to be serviced regularly
dampener

Used when referring to something that diminishes the intensity or energy of a process or event. Often used metaphorically.

  • - His pessimism acted as a dampener on our enthusiasm
  • - The dampener on the drum helps control vibration
retarder

Often used in industrial or construction contexts to describe an additive that slows the setting or curing process of materials like concrete. Can have a slightly negative connotation if used to describe a slowing in general contexts.

  • - They added a retarder to the concrete mix to delay its setting time
  • - The retarder in the machinery lowered the speed of the assembly line
inhibitor

Primarily used in scientific and medical contexts to describe a substance that slows down or prevents a chemical reaction or a biological process.

  • - The drug acts as an inhibitor to the enzyme, reducing the symptoms
  • - Researchers are studying new inhibitors for cancer treatment

Examples of usage

  • The decelerator on the car helped to reduce the speed quickly.
  • The parachute acted as a decelerator, slowing down the fall of the skydiver.
Context #2 | Noun

in technology

A mechanism used to decrease the speed of a machine or process.

Synonyms

regulator, slowing device, speed reducer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
decelerator

Primarily used in technical and mechanical contexts where a device is specifically designed to reduce speed in a controlled manner.

  • The new car model features a cutting-edge decelerator for smoother stops
speed reducer

Typically used in the context of machinery or mechanical systems to describe a mechanism that reduces the speed of an input shaft or system.

  • The motor is connected to a speed reducer to ensure the equipment operates safely
regulator

Best used in contexts where a device or person is controlling or maintaining levels, speeds, or rates, not strictly limited to slowing down.

  • The pressure regulator ensures the gas flow stays constant
  • As a regulator, he monitors the financial market
slowing device

Used when a general term is needed to describe any device or mechanism designed to reduce speed. It is not specific and can be applied to various systems.

  • The engineer installed a slowing device in the conveyor belt to prevent jams

Examples of usage

  • The decelerator in the conveyor belt system regulates the speed of production.
  • The decelerator in the engine helps control the rotational speed.
Context #3 | Noun

informal usage

A person or thing that hinders or slows down progress or development.

Synonyms

hindrance, impediment, obstacle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
decelerator

This word is often used in technical or scientific fields. It refers to a device or mechanism that slows down a process or object.

  • The engineer checked the decelerator to ensure the machine was slowing down correctly.
  • Modern cars are equipped with decelerators to help manage speed.
obstacle

This word is frequently used to describe a physical or abstract barrier that prevents movement or progress. It is a very common term and can be used in everyday conversations.

  • The fallen tree was an obstacle in the path.
  • He overcame many obstacles to become successful in his career.
hindrance

This word is commonly used to describe something that makes it difficult to achieve a goal or objective. It often implies an annoying or unwanted delay.

  • The constant roadwork was a major hindrance to our travel plans.
  • His lack of experience proved to be a hindrance in completing the project.
impediment

Often used in both formal and informal settings, it describes something that obstructs progress or makes it difficult to move forward. It can be used in a variety of contexts like speech, growth, or development.

  • Her speech impediment made public speaking a challenge.
  • The bureaucratic red tape was an impediment to the project's completion.

Examples of usage

  • The lack of funding acted as a decelerator to the project.
  • The bureaucratic procedures were a decelerator to the company's growth.

Translations

Translations of the word "decelerator" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desacelerador

🇮🇳 गति अवरोधक

🇩🇪 Verzögerer

🇮🇩 deselerator

🇺🇦 сповільнювач

🇵🇱 spowalniacz

🇯🇵 減速装置 (げんそくそうち)

🇫🇷 décélérateur

🇪🇸 desacelerador

🇹🇷 yavaşlatıcı

🇰🇷 감속기 (gamsokgi)

🇸🇦 مُبَطِئ السرعة

🇨🇿 zpomalovač

🇸🇰 spomaľovač

🇨🇳 减速器 (jiǎnsùqì)

🇸🇮 upočasnjevalnik

🇮🇸 hægir

🇰🇿 баяулатқыш

🇬🇪 შემარბილებელი

🇦🇿 yavaşdırıcı

🇲🇽 desacelerador

Etymology

The term 'decelerator' is derived from the word 'decelerate', which is a blend of 'de-' meaning 'down, away' and 'celerate' from 'celer' meaning 'swift'. The concept of deceleration has been crucial in physics and engineering to control speed and motion. The usage of 'decelerator' has expanded to refer to various mechanisms and hindrances in different contexts.