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

Derived Forms

• propulsive, adjective

Other Words From

• pro·pul·sive [pr, uh, -, puhl, -siv], pro·pulso·ry 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

This means that they only lost 3% of the energy they used versus 73% for combustion propulsion.

From TechCrunch

Find yourself a high-quality snorkel valve with a panoramic view and comfortable water-tight seal to pair with flexible, responsive fins that support your legs with the proper propulsion.

From Popular-Science

The advanced reactor was loaded with decades of enriched uranium fuel that made steam for propulsion and electrical power so we could disappear under the waves indefinitely without returning to port.

From Nautilus

BRP is a global leader in the world of powersports vehicles, propulsion systems, and boats.

From Outside Online

With the MEV-1′s electric thruster replacing the aging satellite’s spent chemical propulsion, the hardware can add another five years to the vehicle’s lifespan.

From Popular-Science

It is adopting technology—in rocket propulsion, composite construction, and aerodynamic refinements—already in use elsewhere.

From The Daily Beast

These mostly focus on propulsion and transport, but 4M is a different concept.

From The Daily Beast

It certainly cannot sail under its own power, as 80 percent of the electricity generated on board is used for propulsion.

From The Daily Beast

It seemed to lie flush with the ground; there was no visible means of either support or propulsion.

From Project Gutenberg

They are about fifty feet long, fish-shaped, heavily armored and have some unknown method of propulsion.

From Project Gutenberg

No one talks of the liver secreting bile, or of the heart acting for the propulsion of the blood, by instinct.

From Project Gutenberg

Gauthier proposed to use that engine in the propulsion of paddle-wheels placed at the side of the vessel.

From Project Gutenberg

The screw was found to possess many advantages over the paddle-wheel as an instrument for ship-propulsion.

From Project Gutenberg