steam turbine
Noun: A steam turbine is a type of turbine in which high-pressure steam strikes and pushes against a series of blades mounted on a rotor, causing it to turn. This rotational motion is used to drive an electrical generator or perform other mechanical work. It is a core component in many power plants for generating electricity.
The term "steam turbine" is a compound noun. It is used to refer to the specific machine itself. It is typically a countable noun. * The power station uses a large steam turbine to convert thermal energy into electricity. * Modern steam turbines are highly efficient machines. * The engineer inspected the steam turbine for any signs of wear.
- Compound Noun Usage: "Steam turbine" often forms part of larger technical compound terms, such as , , or .
- Contextual Use: The term is primarily used in engineering, energy production, and industrial contexts. It is rarely used figuratively.
- Turbine (noun): A more general term for any machine in which the kinetic energy of a moving fluid (like water, steam, or gas) is converted into rotational mechanical energy.
- Gas turbine (noun): A turbine driven by expanding hot gases from combustion, rather than steam.
- Generator (noun): The device commonly coupled to a steam turbine to produce electricity.
- Turbine (in a general technical context, though this is a broader category).
- Rotary engine (a very broad and less common synonym).
There is no direct antonym for this specific machine. Opposing concepts might include: * Steam engine (a piston-based engine, not a turbine). * Electric motor (a device that converts electrical energy into rotation, the reverse of a turbine-generator's function).
- To drive a turbine: This phrase describes the action of steam or gas causing the turbine to rotate.
- High-pressure steam from the boiler drives the turbine.
- Turbine stage: Refers to a set of blades in the turbine; large steam turbines often have multiple stages.
- Rotor blades: The specific blades on the rotating part of the turbine that are struck by the steam.
- turbine in which steam strikes blades and makes them turn