Definition

Noun: 1. A device that injects additional fuel into the hot exhaust gases of a jet engine to produce extra thrust: An afterburner is a component in some jet engines, particularly those used in military fighter aircraft, that provides a significant, temporary increase in power by burning fuel in the exhaust stream.

Usage

The term "afterburner" is used almost exclusively in the context of aviation and aerospace engineering. It describes a specific mechanical system. - It is a countable noun (e.g., an afterburner, the afterburners). - It is typically used with verbs like engage, activate, use, light, or fire.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The pilot engaged the afterburner to rapidly climb and intercept the enemy aircraft.
  • Modern fighter jets can use their afterburners for short bursts of supersonic speed.
  • The roar of the afterburner is unmistakable during an airshow.

Advanced Usage

• "To go into afterburner" or "to hit the afterburners": Informal phrases meaning to activate the afterburner(s), often implying a sudden, powerful acceleration or a surge of effort.
  • When the missile warning sounded, the pilot immediately hit the afterburners.
  • (Figurative) We need to go into afterburner to finish this project on time.

Variants and Related Words

• Afterburning (noun/gerund): The process or operation of an afterburner.
  • The phase of flight involving afterburning consumes fuel very rapidly.

Synonyms

• Reheat (chiefly British English): A technical synonym for the afterburner system.
• Thrust augmenter: A more general engineering term.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• "To kick in the afterburners": Similar to "hit the afterburners," meaning to accelerate suddenly or increase effort dramatically.
  • In the final lap, the runner kicked in the afterburners and won the race.

Noun

1. a device injects fuel into a hot exhaust for extra thrust