Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Turbojet Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

✈️
Add to dictionary

turbojet

[ˈtɜːrboʊˌdʒɛt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

aviation engine

A turbojet is a type of jet engine that propels an aircraft by converting its fuel into thrust through the use of a turbine and compressor system. Turbojets are characterized by their simplicity and efficiency at high speeds, which makes them suitable for supersonic flight. They work by drawing in air, compressing it, mixing it with fuel, igniting the mixture, and then expelling the heated exhaust gases. While turbojets were the first type of jet engine developed for aircraft, they have largely been replaced by more efficient turbofan engines in commercial aviation, but are still used in military and experimental aircraft.

Synonyms

aircraft engine, jet engine.

Examples of usage

  • The fighter jet is powered by a turbojet engine.
  • Turbojets are essential for supersonic flight.
  • Engineers are testing a new turbojet design for improved efficiency.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History of Aviation

  • The first successful turbojet engine was the Whittle engine, developed by Sir Frank Whittle in the UK.
  • Turbojets greatly enhanced aircraft speed, enabling the first jet-powered passenger planes to fly in the 1950s.

Science and Engineering

  • Turbojets work on the principle of Newton's Third Law: for every action, there's an equal and opposite reaction, propelling the aircraft forward.
  • The efficiency of turbojets can decrease at lower speeds compared to other types of engines, such as turbofans, which are more common today.

Pop Culture

  • Turbojets are often featured in action movies and video games, showcasing high-speed aerial chases.
  • Famous aircraft like the Boeing 707 and Concorde used turbojet engines, revolutionizing air travel.

Modern Usage

  • While turbojets dominated early jet aviation, today's aircraft commonly use turbofan engines for better fuel efficiency.
  • Turbojet engines remain significant in military aviation, used in fighter jets and reconnaissance drones for their power and speed.

Origin of 'turbojet'

Main points about word origin

  • The term combines 'turbo', meaning to increase power, with 'jet', referring to the high-speed flow of gas.
  • It was first introduced in the early 1940s, emphasizing the rapid advancement in aircraft technology post-World War II.

The term 'turbojet' combines the prefix 'turbo-', derived from the Latin 'turbo' meaning 'to spin', indicating the spinning motion of the turbine, with 'jet', which refers to the jet propulsion mechanism that expels gas at high speed to create thrust. The development of turbojet engines began in the 1930s with the groundbreaking work of engineers like Sir Frank Whittle in the UK and Hans von Ohain in Germany. Whittle's designs became operational in the 1940s, leading to the first jet-powered aircraft, the Gloster Meteor. The turbojet design paved the way for significant advancements in aviation technology, enabling faster, higher, and more efficient flight. As military and commercial aviation expanded rapidly after World War II, turbojets played a crucial role in shaping modern aerodynamics and engineering practices, although their dominance has since been challenged by the more fuel-efficient turbofan engines.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,497, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.