nacelle
1 synonym for nacelle, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A separate streamlined enclosure on an aircraft that houses an engine, and now sometimes cargo or crew.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use nacelle
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
engine nacelle
wind turbine nacelle
balloon nacelle
It is a technical term used in aviation and engineering.
Etymology
English borrowed the word from French nacelle, which meant a small boat or a balloon gondola. French took it from Old French and Late Latin words for a small boat, ultimately from Latin navis, meaning ship.
Full origin of nacelle →Frequently asked questions
What is a nacelle on an airplane?
It is the streamlined pod on an aircraft that holds an engine. Today it can also hold cargo or crew.
What is a nacelle on a wind turbine?
It is the part between the rotor and the tower of the turbine.
How do you pronounce nacelle?
It is said nuh-SEL, with the stress on the second syllable.
