rotor blade
- noun
- /ˈroʊtər bleɪd/
- Specialized
- During maintenance, the technician inspected the worn rotor blade for any signs of damage.
- rotor blade vibration
Examples
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Each rotor blade is designed to optimize airflow for improved performance in flight.
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The structure was tested successfully in rigs, and the rotor blades were validated by spin testing.
Academic text (1997) -
l tried to check the damage to the rotor blade.
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They found a helicopter rotor blade.
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At the front and rear are spinning, helicopter-like rotor blades.
Fiction book (1992) -
A separate yaw control keeps the rotor blade assembly pointed into the wind.
Academic text (2009) -
Sergeant Meyer reacts as the big rotor blades start to turn.
Fiction book (1995) -
The NSMS has been developed as an alternative to the strain gauge to monitor rotor-blade vibrations in rotating machinery.
Academic text (1996) -
Students should be aware that the larger the turbine size selected, the greater the length of the rotor blades or propellers, and hence greater spacing between machines will be required.
Academic text (2009) -
As he approached, his head bowed against the prop wash from the spinning rotor blades, a door in the copter's flank slid open and he climbed inside.
Fiction book (1999)
Synonyms
A flat part like a propeller that moves air or water
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly compositional: a blade that belongs to or is part of a rotor, so knowing 'rotor' (rotating part) and 'blade' (flat/curved vane) makes the combined meaning clear. This noun–noun compound follows a common cross-linguistic pattern of modifier + head, so a B1 learner familiar with both constituents should readily understand it.
Etymology
The compound rotor blade is a plain name that shows the idea: a rotor is the part that 'turns' and a blade is a long, thin piece that moves through the air. So a rotor blade is a long, shaped 'blade' that turns to give 'lift' to a helicopter.