Definition
Openings in a turbine engine through which spent combustion gases are discharged to the atmosphere after passing through the turbine section. In a free turbine engine, the gases exit the exhaust ports after expanding across the gas producer turbine and the free (power) turbine.
Plain English
The holes at the back of the engine where the burned gases leave after they have done their work spinning the turbines.
Context Anchor
Seen in turbine engine descriptions, engine airflow discussions, and engine inspection areas where hot exhaust leaves the engine.
Derivation
From Latin 'exhaurire' meaning to draw out or empty, and 'porta' meaning gate or opening. Together: an opening through which something is drawn out — in this case, hot gases leaving the engine.
Why Pilots Care
Clear exhaust ports prevent back pressure that reduces engine efficiency and can cause power loss or overheating.
Intuition Check
Do not read port here as the left side of the airplane or as an airport. In exhaust ports, port means an opening where something passes through.
Example Sentence 1
After passing through the free turbine, the gases exit the engine through the exhaust ports at the rear.
Example Sentence 2
During preflight, the pilot checked that the exhaust ports were free of debris or damage.