Definition

Noun: A mechanical device consisting of a set of rotating blades, designed to propel an airplane forward by creating thrust. It works by accelerating a mass of air backward, which, according to Newton's third law of motion, pushes the airplane forward.

Usage

The term "airplane propeller" specifically refers to the propulsion system of an aircraft. It is a key component that converts rotational power from the engine into forward thrust.

Examples

• The mechanic inspected the airplane propeller for any signs of damage.
• Early airplane propellers were often made of wood.
• The pilot increased the engine power, and the airplane propeller began to spin faster.

Advanced Usage

• "Feathering the propeller": A technique where the blades of a propeller are rotated to a high pitch angle to minimize drag in the event of an engine failure.
  • After the engine lost power, the pilot's first action was feathering the airplane propeller.
• "Constant-speed propeller": A type of airplane propeller where the blade pitch is automatically adjusted to maintain a constant rotational speed, improving efficiency.
  • The aircraft was equipped with a modern constant-speed airplane propeller.

Variants and Related Words

• Propeller (noun): A more general term for a device with rotating blades that drives a vehicle (like a ship or airplane) forward.
• Airscrew (noun): A synonym for an airplane propeller, commonly used in British English.
• Prop (noun): An informal, shortened form of "propeller."
• Rotor (noun): While a rotor provides lift (like on a helicopter), an airplane propeller primarily provides forward thrust. They are related but distinct concepts.

Synonyms

• Airscrew
• Prop (informal)

Antonyms

• Jet engine: A propulsion system that creates thrust by expelling a high-speed jet of exhaust gases, in contrast to a propeller which uses rotating blades to push air.
• Rocket engine: A propulsion system that carries its own oxidizer and does not rely on atmospheric air, unlike a propeller.

Related Phrases

• Propeller-driven aircraft: An airplane that uses one or more propellers for propulsion.
  • Most small general aviation planes are propeller-driven aircraft.
• Prop wash: The stream of air pushed backward by a spinning airplane propeller.
  • The pilot warned the ground crew to stay clear of the prop wash.

Noun

1. a propeller that rotates to push against air