noun

nacelle

nuh-SEL

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Nacelle (noun) means a separate streamlined enclosure on an aircraft that houses an engine, and now sometimes cargo or crew. Example: “The engine nacelle hung beneath the wing.”

noun

A separate streamlined enclosure on an aircraft that houses an engine, and now sometimes cargo or crew.

"The engine nacelle hung beneath the wing."

"Mechanics removed the cover of the left nacelle to inspect the engine."

"Each nacelle was streamlined to reduce drag."

The compartment that carries passengers on a hot-air balloon or airship; a gondola.

"The pilot stood in the nacelle and adjusted the burner."

"Passengers climbed into the nacelle before the balloon lifted off."

The housing on a wind turbine located between the rotor and the tower.

"Technicians climbed the tower to reach the nacelle."

"The nacelle sits at the top of the turbine tower."

How to use nacelle

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA streamlined housing, such as the pod around an aircraft engine or the basket of a balloon.

When to use it

It is a technical term used in aviation and engineering.

Memory tip

The final syllable is said like the word sell, so the word sounds like nuh-SEL.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

engine nacelle wind turbine nacelle balloon nacelle

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “nacelle” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The engine _____ hung beneath the wing.

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.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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gondola

Related words

car opium gondola

Rhymes for nacelle

Elle belle Delle Helle Nelle Noelle Joelle gazelle Estelle Giselle Janelle Michelle

See all rhymes for 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.

What is the meaning of nacelle?

"nacelle" (noun) means a separate streamlined enclosure on an aircraft that houses an engine, and now sometimes cargo or crew.

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