jet propulsion

noun

: propulsion of a body produced by the forwardly directed forces of the reaction resulting from the rearward discharge of a jet of fluid
especially : propulsion of an airplane by jet engines

Examples of jet propulsion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The crafts have no wings or visible means of jet propulsion. Dave Lieber, Dallas News, 14 June 2023 The company says the watercraft will be equipped with an electric water jet propulsion system that will be able to push it to a top speed of 50 mph. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2023 Typical jet propulsion pushes water in a straight stream. Will Hunt, Discover Magazine, 3 July 2011 Nectocaris probably used it to swim the same way, giving it an extra boost of jet propulsion to complement the beating of its large fins. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 26 May 2010 When they’re first born, these creatures use a unique transportation method known as jet propulsion. Joshua Hawkins, BGR, 24 Oct. 2022 Protests poured in from places such as the jet propulsion lab—protests in triplicate. San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2022 According to officials, the ship is designed to have significant maneuverability and will utilize a state-of-the-art system that combines diesel and gas turbines with steerable water jet propulsion, KBJR-TV reports. From Usa Today Network and Wire Reports, USA TODAY, 25 May 2022 The air around them moves like liquid ribbons, and even in peak CGI, their fights looks like something between jet propulsion and underwater ballet. Leah Greenblatt, EW.com, 31 Mar. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'jet propulsion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jet propulsion was in 1855

Dictionary Entries Near jet propulsion

Cite this Entry

“Jet propulsion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jet%20propulsion. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

jet propulsion

noun
: forward motion of a body produced by the forces resulting from the rearward discharge of a jet of fluid
especially : propulsion of an airplane by jet engines

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