noun
Uncommon
turbine
TUR-byn
Turbine (noun) means a rotary engine driven by a flow of liquid or gas, used to generate power or propulsion. Example: “Wind turbines dotted the hillside, spinning steadily in the breeze.”
noun
1
A rotary engine driven by a flow of liquid or gas, used to generate power or propulsion.
"Wind turbines dotted the hillside, spinning steadily in the breeze."
"The plant's steam turbine converts heat into electricity."
"Engineers inspected each turbine blade for cracks after the storm passed."
How to use turbine
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA machine with blades that spin when pushed by wind, steam, water, or gas, converting that motion into usable power.
Common pairings
wind turbine
gas turbine
steam turbine
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Word forms
- Plural
- turbines
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Wind _____ dotted the hillside, spinning steadily in the breeze.
Etymology
Borrowed from French turbine, from Latin turbo, turbinem, meaning "whirlwind" or "spinning top."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for turbine
See all rhymes for turbine →Frequently asked questions
What does “turbine” mean?
The word “turbine” means a rotary engine driven by a flow of liquid or gas, used to generate power or propulsion. In plain terms, a machine with blades that spin when pushed by wind, steam, water, or gas, converting that motion into usable power.
How do you pronounce “turbine”?
“Turbine” is pronounced TUR-byn (/ˈtɝ.baɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “turbine” in a sentence?
Here is “turbine” used in a sentence: “Wind turbines dotted the hillside, spinning steadily in the breeze.”
What part of speech is “turbine”?
“Turbine” is a noun.
Where does the word “turbine” come from?
The word “turbine” comes from Latin. Borrowed from French turbine, from Latin turbo, turbinem, meaning "whirlwind" or "spinning top.".
Is “turbine” a common word?
“Turbine” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a turbine and an engine?
A turbine is a rotary engine driven by a flow of liquid or gas, generating power or propulsion through continuous rotational motion, while engine is a broader term covering many types of machines that convert energy into motion, including those with reciprocating pistons. All turbines are a kind of engine, but not all engines are turbines.
What is the difference between a turbine and a generator?
A turbine converts the energy of flowing liquid or gas into rotational motion, while a generator converts that rotational motion into electrical energy. In power plants, a turbine typically spins a generator to actually produce electricity.
What kinds of turbines are there?
Turbines can be driven by different flows, including steam, gas, water, or wind, and are used across many industries to generate power or propulsion. Common examples include wind turbines, steam turbines in power plants, and gas turbines in jet engines.
