propeller

[pruh-pel-er]

noun

1. a device having a revolving hub with radiating blades, for propelling an airplane, ship, etc.

2. a person or thing that propels.

3. the bladed rotor of a pump that drives the fluid axially.

4. a wind-driven, usually three-bladed, device that provides mechanical energy, as for driving an electric alternator in wind plants.

propeller

/ prəˈpɛlə /

noun

1. a device having blades radiating from a central hub that is rotated to produce thrust to propel a ship, aircraft, etc

2. a person or thing that propels

propeller

1. A device consisting of a set of two or more twisted, airfoil-shaped blades mounted around a shaft and spun to provide propulsion of a vehicle through water or air, or to cause fluid flow, as in a pump. The lift generated by the spinning blades provides the force that propels the vehicle or the fluid—the lift does not have to result in an actual upward force; its direction is simply parallel to the rotating shaft.

Word History and Origins

Origin of propeller¹

First recorded in 1770–80; propel + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Each propeller has bearings with two races, or rings or tracks.

From BBC

We could hear the whirring of the propellers before we could see the drone - barely visible as it sliced through the sky.

From BBC

Upon the ship's return to Scotland in September, a gearbox and propeller fault were detected, and further investigation at Dale's Marine in Greenock revealed the rear of the ship was twisted.

From BBC

Archer's Midnight aircraft is built with 12 engines and propellers, and produces "less noise and emissions than a traditional helicopter", according to LA28.

From BBC

His carbon fibre creation, known as VX4, has eight propellers and looks like a giant drone, but what's crucial is that it doesn’t use fuel.

From BBC

Related Words

• screw