propellent

[ pruh-pel-uhnt ]

adjective

1. serving or tending to propel or drive forward.

noun

1. a propellant.

propellent

/ prəˈpɛlənt /

adjective

1. able or tending to propel

Other Words From

• nonpro·pellent adjective noun
• unpro·pellent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of propellent¹

1635–45; < Latin prōpellent- (stem of prōpellēns ), present participle of prōpellere to drive forward. See propel, -ent

Example Sentences

Jenzen-Jones said the most likely explanation would be a failed militant rocket that was still full of highly flammable propellent, which resulted in the fireball seen in the balcony video.

From Seattle Times

Authorities say the gas can still be used for medical purposes, as an anaesthetic, and in the food industry - as a propellent for making whipped cream.

From BBC

It’s what spurs ideas of mining the moon or Mars for elements that could make rocket propellent, which would allow for more exploration without lugging additional fuel.

From Los Angeles Times

The previous launch attempts were plagued by leaks of the super-cold liquid propellents when they were being pumped into the vehicle's tanks.

From BBC

Starting in 2011, he used the site as a major propellent for the racist “birther” claim that former president Barack Obama was born in Kenya.

From Washington Post