Propeller: meaning, definitions and examples

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propeller

[ prษ™หˆpelษ™r ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

on a plane

A propeller is a type of fan that transmits power by converting rotational motion into thrust.

Synonyms

blade, fan, rotor.

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Word Description / Examples
propeller

Used primarily in aviation and maritime contexts to describe a device with rotating blades that pushes or pulls a vehicle forward.

  • The airplane's propeller spun rapidly as it prepared for takeoff.
  • The boat's propeller got tangled in seaweed.
fan

Usually describes a device with rotating blades that create airflow for cooling or ventilation. Commonly used in household and industrial settings.

  • I turned on the fan to cool down the room.
  • The computer's fan helps prevent it from overheating.
blade

Refers to the flat, sharp part of a tool, weapon, or device. In the context of machinery, it can describe the individual fins on a propeller, fan, or rotor. It's more general and can cover many types of objects.

  • The blade of the knife was very sharp.
  • Each blade of the wind turbine contributes to generating electricity.
rotor

Most commonly used in the context of helicopters and other aircraft to describe the rotating part that generates lift. It can also describe rotating parts in other machinery like brakes.

  • The helicopter's rotor blades spun quickly as it took off.
  • The brake rotors in the car needed replacement.

Examples of usage

  • The propeller on the plane spun rapidly as the aircraft took off.
  • The propeller blades sliced through the air, propelling the plane forward.
Context #2 | Noun

on a boat

A propeller is a device with blades that pushes a boat through the water.

Synonyms

impeller, screw.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
propeller

Use in the context of aviation and marine applications where a device converts rotational power into thrust to move the vehicle forward.

  • The plane's propeller spun rapidly as it prepared for takeoff.
  • The boat's propeller was entangled with seaweed, slowing it down.
screw

In a maritime setting, refers to a type of propeller with a helical blade design. More generally, 'screw' has an extensive range of usage, including fasteners and mechanical engineering.

  • The ship's screw churned as it powered through the water.
  • Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws on the furniture.
impeller

Suitable for situations involving pumping fluids or gases within machinery, typically found in pumps and compressors. It's a rotor that increases the fluid's pressure and flow.

  • The water pump's impeller needed replacement to restore efficient water flow.
  • An advanced impeller design can significantly boost the compressor's performance.

Examples of usage

  • The boat's propeller churned the water as it sped across the lake.
  • The propeller of the ship was so powerful that it created a strong wake.
Context #3 | Noun

general

A propeller is a mechanical device that moves or causes something to move forward.

Synonyms

driver, mover.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
propeller

Often refers to a mechanical device with blades that can spin, used to move boats or aircraft. Mostly used in technical or transportation contexts.

  • The airplane's propeller was damaged during the storm.
  • The boatโ€™s propeller became tangled in seaweed.
mover

Usually refers to a person or company that helps transport furniture and other items from one place to another. Also used metaphorically to describe someone who initiates actions. Appropriate in logistics or colloquial contexts.

  • We hired professional movers to help us with the relocation.
  • She's a prime mover in the community's environmental efforts.
driver

Typically refers to a person who operates a vehicle, but can also describe something that causes something else to happen. Commonly used in general and business conversations.

  • The driver of the car was very careful on the icy roads.
  • Innovation is a key driver of economic growth.

Examples of usage

  • The windmill's propeller turned in the breeze, generating electricity.
  • The propeller of the toy car spun rapidly, propelling it across the floor.

Translations

Translations of the word "propeller" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น hรฉlice

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅเคฐเฅ‹เคชเฅ‡เคฒเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Propeller

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ baling-baling

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั€ะพะฟะตะปะตั€

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ล›migล‚o

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ—ใƒญใƒšใƒฉ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท hรฉlice

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ hรฉlice

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท pervane

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ”„๋กœํŽ ๋Ÿฌ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ูุฑู’ูˆูŽุญูŽุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vrtule

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ vrtuฤพa

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่žบๆ—‹ๆกจ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ propeler

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ skrรบf

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฟั€ะพะฟะตะปะปะตั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒžแƒ แƒแƒžแƒ”แƒšแƒ”แƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ pervane

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ hรฉlice

Etymology

The word 'propeller' originated from the Latin word 'propellere', which means 'drive forward'. The concept of propellers dates back to ancient times, with early examples found in boats and windmills. In the 19th century, propellers became widely used in aviation and marine transportation, revolutionizing the way vehicles are powered and propelled.

See also: propellant, propelling, propulsion.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,364, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.