1. plural of afterburn; the continued burning of fuel in a jet engine after the main combustion chamber, used to increase thrust.
Usage: technical; aviation
2. plural of afterburn; a burning sensation or irritation that persists after an initial burn or injury.
Usage: medical; informal

Examples

• The fighter jet's afterburns lit up the night sky as it accelerated down the runway.
• Modern military aircraft use afterburns to achieve supersonic speeds.
• She complained of afterburns on her skin hours after the accident.
• The pilot engaged the afterburns for maximum thrust during takeoff.
• Chemical burns sometimes cause afterburns that last for days.