variants
or less commonly propellent
: something that propels: such as
a
: an explosive for propelling projectiles
b
: fuel plus oxidizer used by a rocket engine
c
: a gas kept under pressure in a bottle or can for expelling the contents when the pressure is released
Examples of propellant in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Josh Dinner, Space.com, 28 Oct. 2025
The latest tests from October 18 to 20 included a full-scale propellant rehearsal and a static-fire test, marking the XQ-3's entry into final flight preparation, with the first flight slated for November or December 2025.
—New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025
Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2025
The rocket has flown 11 uncrewed test flights to date, the last two of them completely successful, but has yet to reach Earth orbit or demonstrate key moon-critical milestones such as in-space propellant transfer.
—Mike Wall, Space.com, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for propellant
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Adjective
The lander awaits the installation of four propellant tanks, which Astrobotic will ready the vehicle for environmental acceptance testing to simulate various stages of the mission, like launch, spaceflight and exploring the surface of the moon.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 28 Oct. 2025
The latest tests from October 18 to 20 included a full-scale propellant rehearsal and a static-fire test, marking the XQ-3's entry into final flight preparation, with the first flight slated for November or December 2025.
—New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
This is an issue where cryogenic propellants sublimate due to minor, constant temperature fluctuations.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2025
The rocket has flown 11 uncrewed test flights to date, the last two of them completely successful, but has yet to reach Earth orbit or demonstrate key moon-critical milestones such as in-space propellant transfer.
—Mike Wall, Space.com, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for propellant
Cite this Entry
“Propellant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propellant. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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