What does turbine mean?
A turbine is a machine that converts the energy of a moving fluid into mechanical rotation. Gas, steam, water, or compressed air drives curved blades around a central shaft, which can then operate a generator, propeller, pump, or other mechanism. Turbines are central to electricity generation, aviation, marine propulsion, and wind power. In a wind turbine, moving air turns the blades and the resulting rotation drives a generator; in a gas turbine, burning fuel creates a powerful stream of gas that drives the machinery. The term is technically precise and generally neutral in tone, although “turbine engine” is sometimes used informally for an aircraft powered by a gas turbine. Its vocabulary value lies in connecting several familiar technologies through the shared engineering principle of extracting useful rotation from fluid motion.
nounA rotary machine with blades or vanes driven by moving gas, steam, water, or another fluid, converting the fluid's energy into rotational mechanical energy. Turbines are used in power stations, aircraft, ships, and wind-energy systems.
- A rotary machine in which gas, steam, water, or another moving fluid acts on blades or vanes to produce rotational mechanical energy.
"The new offshore wind turbine can supply electricity to thousands of homes."
"A gas turbine at the power plant is used to generate electricity."
"The aircraft's engines use a turbine to convert the airflow's energy into thrust."
The regular plural is formed by adding -s.
"The wind turbines on the ridge are visible from several miles away."
Its name comes from the Latin turbo, meaning “spinning top”—an apt description of a machine built around whirling blades.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does turbine come from?
English borrowed the word through French turbine from the Latin turbo, meaning “spinning top” or “whorl.” The mechanical sense developed through the idea of a spinning object and eventually referred to rotary machines driven by fluid. Other words associated with the same Latin root include turbo and turbocharger, although a modern turbocharger uses an exhaust-driven turbine to increase an engine's intake pressure.
How turbine is actually used
The word is standard in engineering and technical contexts but is also widely understood in general discussion of energy and aviation. It is not restricted to a particular English-speaking region.
Easily confused with turbine
A turbine is a machine driven by a moving fluid, whereas turbo is commonly shorthand for a turbocharged engine or an engine's turbocharger.