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Glite Dictionary
variable-pitch propeller

variable-pitch propeller

7.7
A part of a plane with blades you can angle to work better at different speeds
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : hélice de paso variable
  • Many modern aircraft rely on a variable-pitch propeller to optimize their performance in changing flying conditions.

Examples

  • A propeller or fan blade, such as a six-bladed Hamilton Sundstrand 568F variable pitch propeller (above), is designed to increase air speed.

    Academic text (2009)

  • The Hamilton Sundstrand 568F variable pitch propeller, shown mounted on an ATR42-500 turboprop aircraft, changes pitch over the course of a flight.

    Academic text (2009)

  • However, the bigger and more powerful the engine, the faster the variable pitch propeller wore out.

    Academic text (2003)

  • Around 1917, mechanically controlled variable pitch propellers were under development in Great Britain and Germany.

    Academic text (2003)

  • By the 1920s, designers had abandoned the mechanically controlled variable-pitch propeller.

    Academic text (2003)

  • The B-10 bomber, Boeing Model 247, and Douglas DC-2 all used the variable pitch propeller.

    Academic text (2003)

  • The Hamilton Sundstrand 568F variable-pitch propeller adjusts its blade angle to improve efficiency during flight.

  • The design of the variable-pitch propeller allows pilots to modify the blade angle for better control and speed.

Synonyms

propeller
vsvariable-pitch propeller
46 3.9

A set of blades that spin to push a boat or plane forward

has adjustable blade angles to optimize performance in different flight conditions
airplane propeller
vsvariable-pitch propeller
  • US
3.9

A set of blades that spin to push air and move a plane forward

allows adjustable blade angles to improve performance in varied flight conditions
airscrew
vsvariable-pitch propeller
  • Archaic
9.4

A propeller on a plane that pushes it through the air

features adjustable blade angles to match various flight conditions
screw propeller
vsvariable-pitch propeller
  • Specialized
5.3

A device with angled blades that turns to push a boat or plane forward

lets blade angles be changed to work better in different flight settings

How Adjustable

variable-pitch propeller
  • Specialized
7.7

Surface Forms

variable-pitch propeller singular
variable-pitch propellers plural

Morphology

variable-pitch + propeller

The meaning is directly compositional: a propeller (mechanical device with blades) whose pitch is variable. A B1 learner who knows 'variable', 'pitch' (as blade angle), and 'propeller' can infer that the blade angle can be adjusted to optimize performance, so the expression is predictable from its parts.

Etymology

The noun variable-pitch propeller names a propeller whose variable-pitch means the blades can change angle in flight, like a fan whose blades tilt to push more or less air. That's why pilots can 'adjust' the blades to make the engine and plane 'work best' at different speeds.