Definition
A rotating metal disc inside a turbine engine's compressor section that holds a ring of compressor blades around its outer rim. Multiple discs are mounted on the same shaft to form the stages of the compressor, each stage progressively raising the pressure of the air flowing through the engine.
Plain English
A spinning wheel inside a jet or turbine engine that carries a row of small blades around its edge. As it spins, the blades push and squeeze the air moving through the engine.
Context Anchor
Seen in turbine engine construction, inspection, and maintenance discussions, especially when learning how the compressor section is built.
Derivation
Compressor' comes from the Latin 'comprimere,' meaning to press together. 'Disc' refers to the flat, round shape of the rotating wheel. Together the term describes the round wheel that drives the air-squeezing blades.
Why Pilots Care
A cracked or failed compressor disc can cause sudden engine damage or failure, so pilots and mechanics must recognize its role in safe engine operation.
Intuition Check
Do not read “disc” as meaning a loose plate or cover. Here it means a rotating structural part inside the engine that carries the compressor blades.
Example Sentence 1
The mechanic inspected each compressor disc for cracks before reinstalling the engine's rotor assembly.
Example Sentence 2
As the compressor disc spins faster, it forces more air through the engine stages.