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

It was considered too dangerous because of the possibility of the towline becoming tangled in the Hunley’s propeller, or because the “torpedo” could drift and slam into the Hunley instead of the enemy vessel.

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At less than 8 inches long, with a cheerful red cylindrical body, a saucer-shaped head, and four whirring propellers, the Mini-Manbo was decidedly cute.

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An engine rumbled to life, & then the propeller.

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Using sophisticated listening equipment, anti-submarine specialists were able to identify different boats by the sound of their propellers.

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At the back end, its propellers fizzed through the water and left a trail of frothy waves in its wake.

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Related Words

• screw