Jet Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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jet

[dʒɛt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

aircraft

A rapid stream of liquid or gas forced out of a small opening.

Synonyms

spout, spray, stream.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
jet

Mostly used to describe a strong, forceful stream of fluid, often under high pressure, such as water or air. Can also be used in aviation to refer to jet engines or jet aircraft.

  • The firefighters used a jet of water to extinguish the flames.
  • She watched the jet of water shoot out from the hose.
  • The jet flew across the sky.
stream

Can mean a continuous flow of liquid, gas, or air in a single direction. Often used to describe natural water bodies like rivers but also applies to digital data or video content.

  • A gentle stream flowed through the meadow.
  • The video stream buffered frequently due to slow internet.
  • The stream of data was interrupted during the transfer.
spray

Refers to a fine mist or small droplets of liquid dispersed through the air. Often used for perfume, cleaning products, or waves crashing against rocks.

  • She sprayed perfume on her wrist.
  • The gardener used a hose to spray water over the flowers.
  • The wave hit the rock and created a spray of saltwater.
spout

Typically used to describe liquid coming out of a narrow opening in a steady, often continuous stream. Commonly associated with teapots, kettles, and whales.

  • Water spouted from the broken pipe.
  • The kettle has a long spout for easy pouring.
  • The whale surfaced, sending a spout of water into the air.

Examples of usage

  • The jet of water shot twenty feet in the air.
  • The jet engine roared to life as the plane took off.
Context #2 | Noun

vehicle

A fast military aircraft.

Synonyms

combat jet, fighter aircraft, warplane.

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Word Description / Examples
jet

As a duplicate, see the first entry.

fighter aircraft

This term is used to describe military aircraft designed primarily for air-to-air combat against other aircraft. It is often used in discussions about air superiority, dogfights, and aerial defense strategies.

  • The new fighter aircraft featured cutting-edge technology
  • Pilots undergo rigorous training to handle fighter aircraft in combat scenarios
warplane

Warplane is a broader term that refers to any type of military aircraft used in warfare. It can include bombers, fighters, and reconnaissance planes. This term is often used in historical or general military contexts.

  • During the war, old warplanes were repurposed for new missions
  • The museum has a vast collection of vintage warplanes
combat jet

This term specifically refers to military aircraft designed for combat missions. It is used when discussing warfare, military operations, or defense strategies.

  • The air force deployed several combat jets to the conflict zone
  • Advanced combat jets are essential for modern military forces

Examples of usage

  • The fighter jet flew at supersonic speeds.
  • The squadron of jets performed a flyover at the air show.
Context #3 | Verb

move quickly

To move or travel very quickly.

Synonyms

dash, speed, zoom.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
jet

Often used to describe a quick, propelled movement, typically through air or space. Common in aviation or when referring to high-speed travel.

  • He watched the jet take off from the airport.
  • The spaceship jetted into the atmosphere.
speed

A generic term for moving quickly. It can describe any type of rapid movement but does not carry the specific connotations of propulsion found in 'jet'.

  • The speed of the train amazed the passengers.
  • He was ticketed for speeding down the highway.
zoom

Typically used to describe rapid movement with a sense of excitement or energy. Often associated with vehicles or objects moving at great speed.

  • The car zoomed past the intersection.
  • They watched the race cars zoom around the track.
dash

Used when referring to a sudden, quick movement, usually on foot. It can also imply urgency or a short burst of speed.

  • She made a dash for the exit when the fire alarm went off.
  • He dashed to catch the bus before it left.

Examples of usage

  • The car jetted down the highway.
  • She jetted off to Paris for the weekend.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • Jets use jet engines, which propel them forward by pushing gas out at high speeds, similar to blowing up a balloon and releasing it quickly.
  • The development of turbojet engines in the 1930s revolutionized flight, allowing planes to reach higher altitudes and faster speeds.

Science

  • The Bernoulli principle helps explain how planes, including jets, can lift off the ground; faster air over the wings creates lower pressure.
  • Jets are known for breaking the sound barrier, which happens when an aircraft travels faster than 343 meters per second (about 1,125 feet per second) at sea level.

Pop Culture

  • Jets have been featured in numerous films and TV shows, often symbolizing adventure, freedom, and military prowess.
  • The famous musical 'West Side Story' includes a group called 'The Jets,' representing a gang of young men in New York City.

History

  • The first successful jet aircraft was the Heinkel He 178, which flew in 1939, marking the beginning of the jet age in aviation.
  • The introduction of the Boeing 707 in the 1950s helped to make jet travel commonplace for the average person, revolutionizing air travel.

Origin of 'jet'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'jet' originally referred to a type of lignite, a precursor to coal, known for its smooth, black appearance.
  • The term for the aircraft was popularized in the mid-20th century as jet engines replaced propellers in commercial aviation.

The word 'jet' originated in the early 17th century, derived from the French word 'jeter' meaning 'to throw'. Initially used to describe a stream of liquid or gas forced out of an opening, the term later evolved to also refer to fast military aircraft. Over time, 'jet' has become synonymous with speed and rapid movement, both in the context of aviation and general travel.


See also: jettison, jetty.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,181 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.