screw propeller

noun

1. a rotary propelling device, as for a ship or airplane, consisting of a number of blades that radiate from a central hub and are so inclined to the plane of rotation as to tend to drive a helical path through the substance in which they rotate.

screw propeller

noun

1. an early form of ship's propeller in which an Archimedes' screw is used to produce thrust by accelerating a flow of water

Derived Forms

• ˈscrew-proˈpelled, adjective

Other Words From

• screw-pro·pelled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of screw propeller¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

In fact, the Lycian design is a fair representation of the modern screw propeller, and gives the idea of a whirling motion.

From Project Gutenberg

The first ship fitted with the screw propeller was called the "Archimedes."

From Project Gutenberg

The best steamers, therefore, are fitted with the twin-screw propeller.

From Project Gutenberg

Professor Greenhill has advanced in our pages a new theory of the screw propeller.

From Project Gutenberg

These were the building of iron instead of wooden ships and the replacing of the paddle wheel by the screw propeller.

From Project Gutenberg