noun
turbine
TUR-byne/ˈtɜːrbaɪn/
a machine whose blades are spun by moving liquid or gas to produce power
Rushing water spins the turbine to generate electricity for the town.
Etymology
Latin turbo supplied the image of something whirling, like a spinning top or whirlwind. The machine name first described a water-driven wheel, then extended to mechanisms turned by air or steam.
In context
a turbine spins a magnet inside a coil to produce electricity and since electromagnets need a power source this turbine is powered by wind
More examples
- Steam drives a turbine connected to the factory's generator.
- The wind turbines stand on a ridge above the farm.
- Hot gas turns the turbine inside the jet engine.
Forms
turbine · turbines
Similar words
- waterwheel
- Uses flowing or falling water, often pushing large paddles.
- engine
- Converts energy into mechanical power, not necessarily through fluid-driven blades.