turbine

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.

“Turbine” is pronounced TUR-byn (/ˈtɝ.baɪn/ in IPA).

Here is “turbine” used in a sentence: “Wind turbines dotted the hillside, spinning steadily in the breeze.”

“Turbine” is a noun.

The word “turbine” comes from Latin. Borrowed from French turbine, from Latin turbo, turbinem, meaning "whirlwind" or "spinning top.".

“Turbine” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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.

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.

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.