propulsion

noun

pro·​pul·​sion prə-ˈpəl-shən 

1

: the action or process of propelling

2

: something that propels

Examples of propulsion in a Sentence

Sailboats use wind as their source of propulsion.

Recent Examples on the Web

That mission, repeatedly delayed on the launchpad, was supposed to last only eight days but now may be extended for months because of problems with the Starliner propulsion system. —Laurence Darmiento, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2024

Engineers are also confirming their estimates of how much extra helium the spacecraft carries to pressurize its propulsion system after Starliner undocks from the space station. —Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 11 July 2024

The spacecraft is outfitted with a total of 28 such thrusters on the service module, which is used to provide power and much of the vehicle’s propulsion. —Christian Davenport, Washington Post, 10 July 2024

Additional helium leaks in the Starliner's propulsion system were later found after launch. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 10 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin prōpulsiōn-, prōpulsiō "action of driving out or urging on," derivative, with the suffix of verbal action -tiōn-, -tiō, of Latin propellere "to push or thrust forward, compel to go onward" (with -s- from past participle and verbal noun prōpulsus) — more at propel

First Known Use

1627, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing propulsion

• jet propulsion
• self-propulsion

Kids Definition

propulsion

noun

pro·​pul·​sion prə-ˈpəl-shən 

1

: the action or process of propelling

2

: something that propels

propulsive

-ˈpəl-siv

adjective