reaction engine

/riˌækʃən ˌɛndʒən/

Other forms: reaction engines

Definitions of reaction engine

1. noun

   a jet or rocket engine based on a form of aerodynamic propulsion in which the vehicle emits a high-speed stream
   synonyms: reaction-propulsion engine

   types:

   ion engine

   a type of reaction-propulsion engine to propel rockets in space; a stream of positive ions is accelerated to a high velocity by an electric field

   jet engine

   a gas turbine produces a stream of hot gas that propels a jet plane by reaction propulsion

   fan-jet, fanjet, fanjet engine, turbofan, turbofan engine, turbojet, turbojet engine

   a jet engine in which a fan driven by a turbine provides extra air to the burner and gives extra thrust

   atherodyde, athodyd, flying drainpipe, ramjet, ramjet engine

   a simple type of jet engine; must be launched at high speed

   rocket, rocket engine

   a jet engine containing its own propellant and driven by reaction propulsion

   type of:

   engine

   motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work