propeller

/prəˈpɛlər/

/prəˈpɛlə/

Other forms: propellers

A propeller is a rounded blade that rotates in a circle, helping to move a vehicle by pushing against water or air. A speed boat's propeller moves it forward by spinning against the water.

Propellers use the laws of physics to propel, or drive forward, an aircraft or a boat. The basic structure of a propeller is a spinning or rotating shaft with wide, curved blades attached to it. The very simplest propellers were first used in ancient Greece, where the inventor Archimedes invented a "screw propeller" that moved water for irrigating crops.

Definitions of propeller

1. noun

   a mechanical device that rotates to push against air or water
   synonyms: propellor

   types:

   airplane propeller, airscrew, prop

   a propeller that rotates to push against air

   screw, screw propeller

   a propeller with several angled blades that rotates to push against water or air

   variable-pitch propeller

   propeller for which the angle of the blades is adjustable

   type of:

   mechanical device

   mechanism consisting of a device that works on mechanical principles