linear accelerator

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

lin′ear accel′erator, [Physics.]

1. Physics an accelerator in which particles are propelled in straight paths by the use of alternating electric voltages that are timed in such a way that the particles receive increasing increments of energy. Also called linac. 

• 1930–35

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

linear accelerator noun

1. an accelerator in which charged particles are accelerated along a linear path by potential differences applied to a number of electrodes along their path
   Sometimes shortened to: linac