acceleration
ak-SELL-uh-RAY-shun
/əkˌsɛləˈreɪʃən/
The rate at which an object changes its velocity.
In racing, this usually refers to '0 to 60' times, but it also technically includes braking (deceleration) and turning.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'accelerare,' meaning to hasten. It combines 'ad' (to) and 'celer' (swift), the same root that gives us 'celerity.'
Word relationships
- pickup: Pickup is a more casual term for a car's ability to accelerate.
- deceleration: The act of slowing down.
Commonly confused with
- velocity: Velocity is how fast you are going; acceleration is how fast you are getting faster.
Word family
- accelerate (verb): To increase speed.
- accelerator (noun): The pedal that controls speed.
Collocations
- rapid acceleration
- constant acceleration
- acceleration rate
Example sentences
- "The acceleration out of the hairpin was what won us the race." Driver interview
- "Acceleration is the most important thing in a racing car." Automotive review
Memory hook
An 'accelerator' pedal makes the car 'excel' in speed. Add speed with acceleration.
When not to use
Do not confuse it with 'top speed'; a car can have great acceleration but a low top speed.
Fun facts
- F1 cars can accelerate from 0 to 100 mph and back to 0 in under five seconds.
Explore more words
accelerate, decelerate, agility, Depreciation, Calculus, accretion
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