propeller

American  

[pruh-pel-er] / prəˈpɛl ər /

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.

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propeller British  

/ 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

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propeller Scientific  

/ prə-pĕl′ər /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of propeller

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

Example Sentences

Nets snag the propellers of attacking drones, making them a cheap and surprisingly effective physical barrier.

From BBC

The balloons rise and descend using vents or propellers to find the right currents.

From The Wall Street Journal

Instead, they have propellers, reach speeds of 110 miles per hour and emit high-pitched buzzing sounds.

From The Wall Street Journal

“You’ve got a propeller, sure. But you could use some boosters.”

From Literature

Its two propellers spin as the plane taxis to the edge of the field.

From Literature

Related Words

• screw