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Glite Dictionary
propellor

propellor

4.8
A machine with blades that turns to push a plane or boat forward
  • noun
  • /prəˈpɛlər/
  • UK
translation icon : hélice
  • The boat's propellor churned the water as it sped across the lake.

Examples

  • Yes, well, if you want to get of the ground, you'll have to get a bigger propellor.

    Bob Roberts (1992)

  • The wash of our propellors made the two ships range about when we were passin' them.

    Saving the Titanic (2012)

  • I've got a man here with a propellor on his head.

    Bob Roberts (1992)

  • The pilot adjusted the angle of the propellor to gain more speed during takeoff.

  • Engineers designed a new propellor that improves fuel efficiency for aircraft.

Synonyms

propeller
vspropellor
46 3.9

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

is the alternate spelling of the same term
prop
vspropellor
16 4.6

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

is the full formal name rather than the shortened form
screw propeller
vspropellor
  • Specialized
5.3

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

is the general device type covering many specific designs and uses
airplane propeller
vspropellor
  • US
3.9

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

is used for both air and water propulsion rather than only aircraft
airscrew
vspropellor
  • Archaic
9.4

A propeller on a plane that pushes it through the air

is broader, applying also to water propulsion and other contexts

Antonyms

brake
413 1.6

A part of a vehicle that makes the wheels slow down or stop when you press a pedal

drag
  • Informal
80 4.2

Something that slows progress or an activity that is boring

Surface Forms

propellor singular
propellors plural
propellers plural
propeller singular

Morphology

propellor = propel (transparent) = propel + er

The noun is a direct instrument/agent formation from the verb 'propel' using the productive suffix '-er', so the meaning is readily inferable.

Etymology

Propellor comes from the Latin parts pro- 'forward' and pellere 'to drive', and it shares the same root as the verb propel. So a propellor is literally a tool that 'drives forward' by pushing air or water, which explains why its spinning blades move a plane or a boat.