# slower

/ˈsɫoʊɝ/ (US) · /slˈəʊɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/slower
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 3. something that reduces speed

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

something that makes a process or a machine go more slowly.

For teachers: an agent, substance, or device that reduces the speed or rate of a process.

- The scientist added a chemical slower to the mixture to stop it from reacting too fast.
- The addition of a chemical slower was necessary to moderate the reaction rate and prevent a thermal runaway within the reactor core.

Usage: rarely used in general conversation; typically found in chemistry or engineering contexts.

## Examples

- The bus is slower than the train.
- Traffic is much slower during the morning rush hour because of the heavy rain.
- The older processor results in a significantly slower rendering time, which can delay the entire production schedule if the hardware is not upgraded soon.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.