noun
- small rocket engines used to control the position or movement of a spacecraft
- propulsion devices that push water or air to move a vehicle forward
Usage: aerospace; technical
Usage: nautical; technical
Examples
- The spacecraft used its thrusters to adjust its orbit around Mars.
- Small thrusters helped the satellite maintain its proper orientation.
- The submarine’s bow thrusters allowed it to maneuver in tight spaces.
- Engineers tested the rocket’s attitude control thrusters before launch.
- The ship’s side thrusters made docking at the pier much easier.
- Mission control fired the thrusters to correct the probe’s trajectory.