1. small rocket engines used to control the position or movement of a spacecraft
Usage: aerospace; technical
2. propulsion devices that push water or air to move a vehicle forward
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.