Plain English Meaning

Small weights mounted on the propeller that, as the propeller spins, get flung outward and twist the blades toward a flatter bite of the air or a steeper bite, depending on the design. They are part of how the propeller automatically changes its blade angle in flight.

Full Definition

Weights attached to the propeller blade shanks or hub of a constant-speed propeller, positioned so that centrifugal force acting on them tends to rotate the blades toward a higher (coarser) blade angle. They work in opposition to other forces in the propeller hub to control blade pitch.

Context Anchor

Seen when studying constant-speed or controllable-pitch , especially how the propeller changes blade angle.