Propeller
/prəˈpɛlər/
Definitions
A mechanical device with blades that rotate to push a vehicle forward through air or water.
/prəˈpɛlər/
A device that rotates to push something forward.
The boat's propeller was damaged by a collision with a submerged object.
💡 Simply: It's like a big fan that spins around to make a boat or plane move. Imagine a boat needing a strong push to sail, and the propeller does just that by spinning really fast!
👶 For kids: A propeller is like a big fan that helps boats and airplanes move!
More Examples
The pilot carefully monitored the propeller's speed during the flight.
The wind turbine's propeller generated electricity.
How It's Used
"The airplane's propeller spun rapidly as it prepared for takeoff."
"The ship's propeller churned the water, driving it forward."
From the verb 'propel', meaning 'to push forward,' and the suffix '-er', indicating an agent or instrument. The word gained prominence in the 19th century with the advent of steam-powered ships and later airplanes.
Initially, propellers replaced paddle wheels in ships. Early usage can be seen in shipbuilding and naval engineering texts from the mid-19th century.
Memory tip
Think of a wind-up toy - the spinning propeller pushes it ahead.
Word Origin
"To push or drive forward."