turbofan

American  

[tur-boh-fan] / ˈtɜr boʊˌfæn /

noun

1. a jet engine having a large impeller that takes in air, part of which is used in combustion of fuel, the remainder being mixed with the products of combustion to form a low-velocity exhaust jet.

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turbofan British  

/ ˈtɜːbəʊˌfæn /

noun

1. Also called: high bypass ratio engine.  a type of by-pass engine in which a large fan driven by a turbine and housed in a short duct forces air rearwards around the exhaust gases in order to increase the propulsive thrust

2. an aircraft driven by one or more turbofans

3. the ducted fan in such an engine

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turbofan Scientific  

/ tûr′bō-făn′ /

1. A type of gas turbine in which the fan driving air into a turbojet also forces additional air around the outside of the turbine, combining it with the exhaust of the turbojet to provide thrust. Turbofans are quieter than simple turbojets and somewhat more fuel efficient, and are widely used in commercial aircraft.

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Etymology

Origin of turbofan

First recorded in 1940–45; turbo- + fan ¹

Compare meaning

How does turbofan compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• turbofan vs. turbojet
• turboprop vs. turbofan

Example Sentences

Due to a manufacturing flaw that has hit Airbus operators worldwide, the Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan engines on Hawaiian’s fleet of Airbus A321neos have to be repaired, with each repair taking about 45 days.

From Seattle Times

It is equipped with four turbofan engines capable of producing 40,440 pounds of thrust each, with a maximum gross takeoff weight of 585,000 pounds, according to the Air Force.

From Scientific American

"The financial burdens arising from the geared turbofan inspection program are undoubtedly present, but they are not likely to be reflected in the adjusted guidance figures," said Chief Executive Lars Wagner in the statement.

From Reuters

The Federal Aviation Administration said on Friday it will require some users of Pratt & Whitney's geared turbofan engine to conduct inspections within 30 days to prevent a part failure that could damage the airplane.

From Reuters

The airline, which also missed second-quarter profit and revenue estimates, has also struggled with pilot attrition and geared turbofan engine issues.

From Reuters