throttle
THROT-uhl
/ˈθrɒtl/
A device or lever controlling the flow of fuel or power to an engine, or the act of regulating engine output.
Refers to both the mechanical control lever in the cockpit and the engine power setting.
The story behind the word. Derived from Middle English 'throte' (throat). To throttle originally meant to choke or constrict the throat. In steam and gas engines, the mechanism 'choked' or restricted the intake valve, giving birth to the engine throttle.
Word relationships
- accelerator: Accelerator is used primarily for motor vehicles (foot pedal), whereas throttle applies broadly to aviation, marine, and industrial engines.
Commonly confused with
- stick: The stick/yoke controls flight surfaces (attitude); the throttle controls engine output (power).
Word family
- throttled (verb (past)): Regulated or restricted flow/power.
Collocations
- full throttle
- throttle back
- adjust throttle
- throttle lever
Idioms & expressions
- at full throttle (at maximum speed or energy)
Example sentences
- "The pilot pushed the throttle forward to full power for takeoff." Takeoff sequence
- "He eased back on the throttle to reduce airspeed before entering the landing pattern." Descent phase
Memory hook
Control the throat (intake) of the engine with the THROTTLE. Power lever for engine output.
When not to use
Do not use as a synonym for brake or steering mechanism.
Fun facts
- In modern fly-by-wire jetliners, autothrottles move automatically based on autopilot speed targets.
Explore more words
bottleneck, congestion, chokepoint, fuel, transmission, accelerate
Also appears in
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