propeller

[ pruh-pel-er ]

noun

1. a device having a revolving hub with radiating blades, for propelling an airplane, ship, etc.
2. a person or thing that propels.
3. the bladed rotor of a pump that drives the fluid axially.
4. a wind-driven, usually three-bladed, device that provides mechanical energy, as for driving an electric alternator in wind plants.

propeller

/ prəˈpɛlə /

noun

1. a device having blades radiating from a central hub that is rotated to produce thrust to propel a ship, aircraft, etc
2. a person or thing that propels

propeller

/ prə-pĕl′ər /

1. A device consisting of a set of two or more twisted, airfoil-shaped blades mounted around a shaft and spun to provide propulsion of a vehicle through water or air, or to cause fluid flow, as in a pump. The lift generated by the spinning blades provides the force that propels the vehicle or the fluid—the lift does not have to result in an actual upward force; its direction is simply parallel to the rotating shaft.

Word History and Origins

Origin of propeller¹

First recorded in 1770–80; propel + -er ¹

Example Sentences

In August last year, a remotely-piloted prototype was badly damaged when it crashed during testing at Cotswold Airport, after a propeller blade fell off.

From BBC

Cassius had previously lived in the wild, where he was known for catching and eating cattle, and attacking boat propellers before being captured.

From BBC

Sitting on a hillside above the city, small 35-seat propeller planes take off and land from a tarmac airstrip.

From BBC

Joby’s air taxis, powered by six propellers and four battery packs, aren’t quite ready to start flying customers over congested freeways.

From Los Angeles Times

There are monsters, and there’s a host of ways to defeat them — a flying plant of vicious propellers is one I found particularly useful.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• screw