acceleration

[ ak-sel-uh-rey-shuhn, ik- ]

noun

1. the act of accelerating; increase of speed or velocity.
2. a change in velocity.
3. Mechanics. the time rate of change of velocity with respect to magnitude or direction; the derivative of velocity with respect to time.

acceleration

/ ækˌsɛləˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of accelerating or the state of being accelerated
2. the rate of increase of speed or the rate of change of velocity a
3. the power to accelerate a

acceleration

/ ăk-sĕl′ə-rā′shən /

1. The rate of change of the velocity of a moving body. An increase in the magnitude of the velocity of a moving body (an increase in speed) is called a positive acceleration; a decrease in speed is called a negative acceleration. Acceleration, like velocity, is a vector quantity, so any change in the direction of a moving body is also an acceleration. A moving body that follows a curved path, even when its speed remains constant, is undergoing acceleration.
2. See more at gravity

acceleration

1. A change in the velocity of an object.

Notes

The most familiar kind of acceleration is a change in the speed of an object. An object that stays at the same speed but changes direction, however, is also being accelerated. ( See force .)

Other Words From

• non·ac·cel·er·a·tion noun
• o·ver·ac·cel·er·a·tion noun
• re·ac·cel·er·a·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of acceleration¹

First recorded in 1525–35, acceleration is from the Latin word accelerātiōn- (stem of accelerātiō ). See accelerate, -ion

Example Sentences

He played surprisingly cautiously, scoring 42 from his first 50 balls, but accelerated from that point, scoring 82 from 35, the fastest ever acceleration post-50 balls by an England batter.

From BBC

“What we’ve been seeing over the last eight or 10 years has been a huge acceleration of the process of ‘touristification’,” said Asier Basurto, a member of the platform.

From BBC

A black box device can help young drivers reduce their insurance premiums because it tracks things like speed, braking, acceleration, cornering and mileage.

From BBC

Harris and Wareham's early departures did not feel catastrophic with the likes of Perry, Litchfield, McGrath and Ash Gardner to come - but with each over that passed by without an acceleration, there was a sense that such a kickstart would never appear.

From BBC

Leaders of several other groups, including Alianza Coachella Valley and Audubon California, said the water cuts under the new program come on top of lower-than-expected water use in the region this year, and have led to what they say is an alarming acceleration of the lake’s decline.

From Los Angeles Times