Plain English Meaning

A compressor that squeezes air by pushing it straight back through many sets of spinning and fixed blades, with each set raising the pressure a little more.

Full Definition

A type of turbine engine compressor in which air flows in a straight line, parallel to the long axis of the engine, through a series of alternating rotating and stationary blade rows that progressively compress the air before it reaches the combustion section.

Context Anchor

Seen in turboprop engine descriptions, especially when explaining how air moves through a split-shaft or free-turbine engine.

Derivation

Axial comes from the Latin axis, meaning the central line something turns around. The name simply tells you the air flows along the engine's , in contrast to a that flings air outward.