1. 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.