propulsion
Meaning: The action of driving or pushing something forward. A propulsion system is the mechanism that moves a vehicle, vessel, or aircraft.
Propulsion systems include jet engines, rocket motors, propellers, and electric motors. The choice of propulsion technology defines the capabilities of any vehicle — speed, range, efficiency, and environmental impact. In maritime and aerospace contexts, the word is standard technical vocabulary. 'Nuclear propulsion' refers to submarines and ships powered by nuclear reactors. The related verb 'propel' and noun 'propellant' are equally common in technical writing.
Examples
- The submarine's nuclear propulsion system allows it to remain submerged for months without refuelling. 该潜艇的核推进系统使其能够在水下持续数月而无需补充燃料。El sistema de propulsión nuclear del submarino le permite permanecer sumergido durante meses sin repostar.その潜水艦の原子力推進システムにより、補給なしで数か月間潜水し続けることが可能です。그 잠수함의 원자력 추진 시스템 덕분에 연료 보급 없이 수개월간 잠항을 유지할 수 있습니다.
- Researchers are developing ion propulsion technology that could dramatically reduce travel times to Mars. 研究人员正在开发离子推进技术,有望大幅缩短前往火星的旅行时间。Los investigadores están desarrollando tecnología de propulsión iónica que podría reducir drásticamente los tiempos de viaje a Marte.研究者たちは、火星への移動時間を劇的に短縮できるイオン推進技術を開発しています。연구자들은 화성까지의 이동 시간을 획기적으로 단축할 수 있는 이온 추진 기술을 개발하고 있습니다.
- The shift from steam to diesel propulsion transformed the efficiency of the British railway network. 从蒸汽推进到柴油推进的转变极大地改善了英国铁路网络的效率。El paso de la propulsión a vapor a la diésel transformó la eficiencia de la red ferroviaria británica.蒸気推進からディーゼル推進への移行は、英国鉄道網の効率を一変させました。증기 추진에서 디젤 추진으로의 전환은 영국 철도망의 효율성을 완전히 바꿔놓았습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: scientific, professional
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin propulsionem (a driving forward), from propellere (to push forward), from pro- (forward) and pellere (to drive, push). Entered English in the early 17th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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