turbine
TUR-bin
/ˈtɜːr.baɪn/
A rotary mechanical device that extracts energy from a fluid or gas flow and converts it into useful electrical or mechanical power.
Always features spinning blades attached to a central shaft that rotates an electromagnetic generator.
The story behind the word. Coined in 1828 by French engineer Claude Burdin from Latin 'turbo', meaning a whirlwind, spinning object, or top. It was coined to describe experimental water wheels that spun rapidly inside enclosed casings.
Word relationships
- rotary engine: 'Rotary engine' is a broader engineering category, whereas 'turbine' specifically relies on fluid/gas flow across internal blades.
Commonly confused with
- generator: The 'turbine' spins physically from fluid/wind motion; the attached 'generator' converts that mechanical spinning into electrical current.
Collocations
- wind turbine
- steam turbine
- gas turbine
- turbine blade
Example sentences
- "The giant offshore wind turbine captured coastal breezes, converting aerodynamic force into rotational energy across massive spinning blades." Wind Power Generation
Memory hook
TURBINE spins rapidly like a TURBO-charged whirlwind. The spinning heart of power generation.
When not to use
Do not call an electric motor a turbine; motors consume electricity to turn, whereas turbines turn to create electricity.
Fun facts
- The largest wind turbine blades in existence today span over 100 meters each—longer than an entire official football field.
Related words
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