afterburner

[ af-ter-bur-ner, ahf- ]

noun

1. Aeronautics. a device placed within, or attached to the exit of, a jet-engine exhaust pipe to produce afterburning.
2. a device for burning exhaust fumes from an internal-combustion engine, as of an automobile.

afterburner

/ ˈɑːftəˌbɜːnə /

noun

1. a device in the exhaust system of an internal-combustion engine for removing or rendering harmless potentially dangerous components in the exhaust gases
2. a system of fuel injection and combustion located behind the turbine of an aircraft jet engine to produce additional thrust

Word History and Origins

Origin of afterburner¹

First recorded in 1945–50; after + burner

Example Sentences

Field rounded it all off by turning on the afterburners to run around a flagging Leigh defence to enable Keighran to add his seventh successful kick.

From BBC

But even with a shadow side, Newcastle are a well-drilled unit out of possession and they held firm until the break before turning on the afterburners in a superb second period.

From BBC

The new engine, replacing the older WS-10C, is meant to give the J-20 more thrust, higher speed, the ability to fly supersonically without using fuel-guzzling afterburners, and a longer range.

From Reuters

Additionally, “one Russian pilot positioned their aircraft in front of an MQ-9 and engaged afterburner, thereby reducing the operator’s ability to safely operate the aircraft.”

From Seattle Times

In a statement, Grynkewich said one of the Russian pilots moved their aircraft in front of a drone and engaged the SU-35’s afterburner, which greatly increases its speed and air pressure.

From Seattle Times