These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'turbine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The oldest and simplest form of turbine is the waterwheel, which is made to rotate by water falling across its blades and into buckets suspended from them. Hero of Alexandria invented the first steam-driven turbine in the 1st century A.D., but a commercially practical steam turbine wasn't developed until 1884; steam turbines are now the main elements of electric power stations. Jet engines are gas turbines. A turbojet engine uses a turbine to compress the incoming air that feeds the engine before being ejected to push the plane forward; a turboprop engine uses its exhaust to drive a turbine that spins a propeller. A wind turbine generates electricity by being turned by the wind; the largest now have vanes with a turning diameter of over 400 feet.
: an engine that has a part with blades that are caused to spin by pressure from water, steam, or air
See words that rhyme with turbine Spanish Central: Translation of turbine Nglish: Translation of turbine for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of turbine for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about turbine
What made you want to look up turbine? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Emoji Exceptionalism
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Think you’re an emoji 👓 expert? Let’s see 🤔
Take the quiz
Surprisingly specific words for shapes.
Take the quiz
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
Take the quiz
SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!
Play the game
