(adj) tending to or capable of propelling, Syn. propulsive, propellent, propelling, Example:propellant fuel for submarines; the faster a jet plane goes the greater its propulsive efficiency; universities...the seats of propulsive thought
(n) an explosive that is used to propel projectiles from guns or to propel rockets and missiles or to launch torpedos and depth charges, Syn. impulse explosive
1. One who, or that which, propels. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. A contrivance for propelling a steam vessel, usually consisting of a screw placed in the stern under water, and made to revolve by an engine; a propeller wheel. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. A steamboat thus propelled; a screw steamer. [ 1913 Webster ]
Propeller wheel, the screw, usually having two or more blades, used in propelling a vessel. [ 1913 Webster ]