propellant

1 of 2

adjective

pro·​pel·​lant prə-ˈpe-lənt 

variants or less commonly propellent

: capable of propelling

propellant

2 of 2

noun

variants or less commonly propellent

: something that propels: such as

a

: an explosive for propelling projectiles

b

: fuel plus oxidizer used by a rocket engine

c

: a gas kept under pressure in a bottle or can for expelling the contents when the pressure is released

Examples of propellant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

And the second is to use these flights to test technologies needed for NASA's Artemis Program, such as in-space propellant storage and refueling. —Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 1 June 2024

The Peregrine launcher, created by the company Astrobotic Technology, was launched in January 2024, but did not make it to the moon because of a critical propellant loss. —Devika Rao, theweek, 31 May 2024

Noun

With a precocious duo at its center and plentiful nods toward books as propellants for visionary thinking, The Imaginary affirms reading as a radical act. —Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 June 2024

Kerosene and liquid oxygen, on the other hand, aren't great propellants for missiles but are good for a pure space launcher. —Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 14 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Latin prōpellent-, prōpellens, present participle of prōpellere "to push or thrust forward, compel to go onward" — more at propel

Noun

in part noun derivative of propellant entry 1, in part from propel + -ant entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1644, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1654, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

propellant

noun

pro·​pel·​lant

variants also propellent

prə-ˈpel-ənt

: something that propels: as

a

: fuel plus a chemical to supply oxygen used by a rocket engine

b

: a gas under pressure in a can for expelling the contents when the pressure is released