| retarder [ri `tärd·ǝr] MATERIALS A material that inhibits the action of another substance, such as flameproofing agents or substances added to cement to retard setting time. Also known as retardant. MECHANICAL ENGINEERING 1. A braking device used to control the speed of railroad cars moving along the classification tracks in a hump yard. 2. A strip inserted in a tube of a fire-tube boiler to increase agitation of the hot gases flowing therein. |