Definition

Noun: A mechanical device consisting of blades attached to a central hub that rotates to create thrust by pushing against a fluid, typically air or water, thereby propelling a vehicle such as an aircraft, boat, or submarine.

Usage

The word "propeller" refers specifically to the rotating device that provides propulsion. It is a countable noun.

Examples: * The boat's propeller was damaged when it hit a submerged log. * The engineer inspected the aircraft's propeller before the flight. * A key component of the ship's propulsion system is its large bronze propeller.

Advanced Usage

• "To feather a propeller": In aviation, to adjust the angle of the propeller blades to minimize drag when an engine has failed.
  • The pilot feathered the propeller after the engine lost power.
• "Propeller-driven": Describes a vehicle powered by a propeller, as opposed to a jet engine.
  • Most small general aviation aircraft are still propeller-driven.

Variants and Related Words

• Prop (n): A common informal shortening of "propeller."
  • The mechanic checked the prop for nicks and cracks.
• Propeller blade (n): One of the individual airfoil-shaped arms of a propeller.
  • One propeller blade showed signs of metal fatigue.

Synonyms

• Screw (n): A term often used for a ship's propeller.
• Aircrew (n): A less common synonym specifically for an aircraft propeller.
• Rotor (n): While similar, a rotor typically refers to the rotating assembly of a helicopter, which provides both lift and propulsion, whereas a propeller primarily provides thrust.

Related Phrases

• Propeller shaft (n): The rotating shaft that transmits power from the engine to the propeller.
  • The vibration was traced to a misaligned propeller shaft.
• Propeller wash (n): The current of water or stream of air pushed backward by a rotating propeller.
  • The small boat was caught in the powerful propeller wash of the tugboat.

Noun

1. a mechanical device that rotates to push against air or water