steam-turbine

A steam-turbine converts thermal energy into mechanical power.

Definition

Noun:
A steam-turbine is a type of engine in which steam at high pressure is directed against a series of blades attached to a rotating shaft, converting thermal energy into mechanical work. It is commonly used in power plants and ships to generate electricity or propulsion.

Usage Examples

• (A device that uses high-pressure steam to generate power.)
• (A machinery that drives the ship's propellers.)
• (The turbine's performance in different conditions.)

Advanced Usage

• "Steam-turbine generator": a combined unit where the turbine drives an electric generator.

  • The steam-turbine generator produces megawatts of electricity for the grid. (A system that converts steam energy into electrical power.)

• "Steam-turbine blade": the individual vane on the rotor that receives steam pressure.

  • The steam-turbine blades must withstand extreme temperatures and stress. (The moving parts that transfer steam energy to the shaft.)

Variants and Related Words

• Steam (n): water in the form of vapour, used as the working fluid in the turbine.

  • High-pressure steam enters the turbine to turn the blades. (Water vapour created by heating water.)

• Turbine (n): a general term for any rotary engine that extracts energy from a fluid flow.

  • A wind turbine uses air, while a steam-turbine uses steam. (A broader category of rotary machinery.)

• Steam-turbine plant (n): a facility where steam-turbines are used for power generation.

  • The steam-turbine plant was built near the coal mine. (A location with steam-turbine equipment.)

Synonyms

• Steam engine (n): a broader term for any engine that uses steam, though typically referring to reciprocating engines rather than turbines.

  • The steam-turbine is more efficient than a traditional steam engine. (An older type of steam-powered machinery.)

• Rotary steam engine (n): a descriptive term emphasizing the rotational motion.

  • The steam-turbine is a type of rotary steam engine. (A machine that produces rotation from steam.)

Related Idioms

• "Run like a steam-turbine": (informal) to operate very smoothly and efficiently.

  • After the maintenance, the machine runs like a steam-turbine. (Functions with minimal friction or trouble.)

• "Full steam ahead": (idiom) moving forward with maximum effort or speed, derived from steam power.

  • The project is going full steam ahead with the new steam-turbine installation. (Proceeding with great energy.)