propulsion

[pruh-puhl-shuhn]

noun

1. the act or process of propelling.

2. the state of being propelled.

3. a means of propelling; propelling force, impulse, etc.

propulsion

/ prəˈpʌlʃən, prəˈpʌlsɪv /

noun

1. the act of propelling or the state of being propelled

2. a propelling force

Other Word Forms

• propulsive adjective
• propulsory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of propulsion¹

1605–15; < Latin prōpuls ( us ) (past participle of prōpellere to propel ) + -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of propulsion¹

C15: from Latin prōpellere to _propel

Example Sentences

The flight quickly went off course because of helium leaks in the vehicle’s propulsion system and the temporary failure of five thrusters that maneuver the craft.

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We shared what we knew about the mechanics of how objects operate in space, flight trajectories and how to guide flying objects, propulsion, heating and materials, and the environment in space.

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The priorities outlined for France's space strategy included "developing future launchers" that are reusable, have low-cost propulsion and high-thrust engines.

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First, there are new technologies: radar and jet propulsion in World War II, computers during the Cold War, robotics and artificial intelligence today.

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Her job as a technician is normally to look after the fuel system, the engines and propulsion of HMS Trent, the Royal Navy offshore patrol vessel that is tasked with helping here in Jamaica.

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