accumulator

noun

ac·​cu·​mu·​la·​tor ə-ˈkyü-m(y)ə-ˌlā-tər How to pronounce accumulator (audio)
plural accumulators
: one that accumulates: such as
a
: a device (as in a hydraulic system) in which a fluid is collected and especially in which it is kept under pressure as a means of storing energy
b
British : storage battery
c
: a part (as in a computer) where numbers are totaled or stored
d
chiefly British : a betting arrangement in which winnings garnered from one bet are immediately used to finance a subsequent bet : parlay

Examples of accumulator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In insurance jargon, this tactic is called a copay accumulator. John Wilkerson, STAT, 17 Jan. 2024 Health plans use tools, called copay accumulators, to keep tabs on whether patients or drug companies were paying the tab for a certain medicine — and don’t count any drug company assistance toward a patient’s deductible or plan maximum. John Wilkerson, STAT, 29 Nov. 2023 In this instance, the focus of the case was on a wonky, but significant tool called copay accumulators, which are used by health plans to blunt the cost of medicines prescribed to their beneficiaries. Ed Silverman, STAT, 2 Oct. 2023 Using legumes/dynamic accumulators and/or animal manures to cycle nutrients through the system. Elizabeth Waddington, Treehugger, 6 June 2023 At issue are copay accumulators, which insurers use to blunt copay assistance offered by drug companies. Ed Silverman, STAT, 21 Feb. 2023 Nonetheless, accumulators are gaining most of the attention and prompting growing outrage. Ed Silverman, STAT, 20 Feb. 2023 Brent Suter has worn many hats during his tenure with the Brewers: efficient-working left-hander, win accumulator, impressionist, raptor and environmentally-conscious ballplayer. Jr Radcliffe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2022 With a copay accumulator someone with a $5,000 deductible who is using a copay coupon or patient assistance will still owe that full deductible if the assistance money runs out late in the year, Koulianos said. Katie Wedell, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'accumulator.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

accumulate + -or entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of accumulator was circa 1611

Dictionary Entries Near accumulator

Cite this Entry

“Accumulator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accumulator. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

accumulator

noun
ac·​cu·​mu·​la·​tor ə-ˈkyü-m(y)ə-ˌlāt-ər How to pronounce accumulator (audio)
: one that accumulates
especially : a part (as in a computer) where numbers are totaled or stored

More from Merriam-Webster on accumulator

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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