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Glite Dictionary
jet propulsion

jet propulsion

1 5.0
A force that moves something forward by forcing out a fast stream of air or water
  • noun
  • /dʒɛt prəˈpʌlʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : propulsión a chorro
  • Partly for this reason, the Soviet government pioneered jet propulsion and the development of large, high-speed transport planes.
  • jet propulsion lab

Examples

  • On the other hand, if the conveyor belt could somehow drag the air along with it at 800 mph in the opposite direction of the plane, the jet propulsion would counteract the conveyor belt, and the movement of the air itself would lift the plane off the ground...

    Blog text (21)

  • See the holes in the back for jet propulsion.

    You Only Live Twice (1967)

  • The jet propulsion belt is eminently safe.

    Asteroid City (2023)

  • In this assembly, he produced an entirely respectable example of jet propulsion.

    Academic text (2009)

  • Because when you combine atomic energy with jet propulsion... ...and radar and guided missiles, well, just think of the....

    The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)

  • Jet propulsion.

    The Sound Barrier (1952)

  • Sheena can use the water passing through her mantle cavity for jet propulsion.

    Fiction book (2000)

  • The development of jet propulsion transformed the aviation industry, enabling long-distance travel.

  • Modern aircraft use jet propulsion systems to achieve high speeds and efficiency in flight.

  • Jet propulsion allows rockets to travel faster than any other technology available.

Synonyms

thrust
vsjet propulsion
  • Specialized
56 5.1

The force that moves something forward, like the push from an engine

is motion caused by expelling fluid backward rather than a pushing force
reaction propulsion
vsjet propulsion
  • Specialized
7.5

A way to move that rockets use by pushing out fast gas so the vehicle moves the other way

focuses on expelling a fluid stream specifically and is used in aircraft and rockets

Antonyms

drag
  • Informal
80 4.2

Something that slows progress or an activity that is boring

How Powerful

rocket propulsion
  • Specialized
1 5.4
jet propulsion
  • Specialized
1 5.0

Surface Forms

jet propulsion singular
jet propulsions plural

Morphology

jet + propulsion

The meaning is directly and compositionally derived from 'jet' (a narrow forceful stream) and 'propulsion' (force that drives something forward): it refers to propulsion produced by a jet of fluid. Although somewhat technical, the compound follows a clear noun+noun pattern and has close equivalents in other languages (e.g. French 'propulsion par jet', Spanish 'propulsión por chorro'), so a B1 learner who knows the constituents can infer the meaning.

Etymology

Jet propulsion comes from the image of a fast jet of water or gas forced backward to give propulsion, a 'push' that moves something forward. That's why it means using a strong jet of fluid to 'move' or 'push' a plane, rocket, or animal forward.