ENGLISH
REFERENCE

turbine

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈtɝbaɪn// UK //tˈɜːbaɪn// tur·bine

n. a machine with blades that spin when air, water, or steam flows through it. This spinning movement is usually used to create electricity.

n. a rotary mechanical device that extracts energy from a fluid flow and converts it into useful work. Often coupled with a generator to produce electrical power.


SIMPLE

The wind turbine spins quickly on a breezy day.

CONTEXTUAL

Engineers are inspecting the massive turbine at the hydroelectric dam to ensure it operates at peak efficiency.

COMPLEX

Modern wind farms utilize sophisticated turbine designs that can capture kinetic energy even from relatively low wind speeds, significantly increasing the viability of renewable energy in the region.

Origin

Borrowed from French turbine, from Latin turbō, turbinem (“tornado, whirlwind; crowd”).

Usage

Commonly modified by the power source, such as 'wind', 'steam', or 'gas'.

© 2026 English Reference