noun
prop
A rotating device that drives an aircraft or boat forward.
The mechanic inspects the plane's prop.
Etymology
Prop is a shortening of propeller. It keeps the longer word's reference to a device that produces forward motion by rotating through air or water.
More examples
- A damaged prop kept the boat at the dock.
- The small aircraft has a prop on each wing.
- He checked the prop for cracks before departure.
Forms
prop · props
Similar words
- propeller
- The full technical term.
- rotor
- A rotating assembly that does not always propel a craft forward.