noun
- a propeller on an aircraft
Usage: aviation; somewhat dated
Examples
- The vintage biplane’s wooden airscrew spun slowly as the engine warmed up.
- Early aircraft relied on airscrews to generate the thrust needed for flight.
- The mechanic inspected each blade of the airscrew for damage.
- Modern jets use turbine engines instead of airscrews for propulsion.
- The airscrew’s pitch could be adjusted to optimize performance at different altitudes.
- During World War I, many fighter planes were equipped with twin airscrews.