Word
propellant
Phoneticspro·pel·lant, stress on the second syllable
US/pɹəˈpɛɫənt/
UK/pɹəpˈɛlənt/
Definition
n. a substance that causes something to move or explode. You usually see this word when talking about things like rockets, guns, or fire extinguishers.
n. a substance that provides the force necessary to move an object or cause an explosion. Often refers to the chemical mixture used in firearms or the gas used to propel a rocket.
Examples
“The rocket uses liquid hydrogen as a propellant.”
“The technician checked the propellant levels in the fire extinguisher before the flight took off.”
“Modern aerospace engineering focuses on developing more efficient propellants that provide greater thrust while minimizing the environmental impact of combustion byproducts.”
Examples
simple
“The rocket uses liquid hydrogen as a propellant.”
contextual
“The technician checked the propellant levels in the fire extinguisher before the flight took off.”
complex
“Modern aerospace engineering focuses on developing more efficient propellants that provide greater thrust while minimizing the environmental impact of combustion byproducts.”
Real-World Examples
“A future supply network could move metals from asteroids to Mars while using propellant produced from asteroid resources.” “The only costs would be propellant (perhaps $1.5 million per launch for liquid oxygen, methane, and other consumables) and personnel to manufacture and maintain the rockets and ground support equipment.” Etymology
From propel + -ant.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/propellant