retarder
|re-tard-er|
🇺🇸
/rɪˈtɑrdər/
🇬🇧
/rɪˈtɑːdə/
something that delays or slows
Etymology
'retarder' originates from French, specifically the verb 'retarder', where 're-' meant 'back' or 'again' and 'tarder' (from Latin) meant 'to be slow'.
'retarder' came into English as a noun from French 'retarder' (to delay). The French verb itself derives from Latin 'retardare' (from 're-' + 'tardare'), and the modern English noun 'retarder' developed to name things that cause delay.
Initially used for the action 'to delay' (verb sense in French/Latin), it evolved in English into a noun meaning 'one that delays' or 'a device/substance that delays'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a mechanical or electrical device fitted to vehicles (especially buses and trucks) or machinery to help slow them down without using the primary service brakes.
The coach's retarder reduced wear on the wheel brakes during long downhill runs.
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Noun 2
a substance (chemical additive) that slows down a physical or chemical process, for example a concrete retarder that delays setting time or a retardant used to slow combustion.
A concrete retarder was added to the mix to allow more time for finishing on hot days.
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Last updated: 2025/10/18 07:15