Plain English Meaning

The hole at the back of a jet engine where the hot gases shoot out. It is shaped to speed the gases up as they leave, and that fast-moving stream is what pushes the airplane forward.

Full Definition

In a jet engine, a shaped opening at the rear of the engine through which hot exhaust gases are expelled. The nozzle's narrowing shape accelerates the exhaust stream as it leaves the engine, converting heat and pressure energy into high-velocity gas flow that produces thrust.

Context Anchor

Seen in jet engine basics when describing how exhaust flow is turned into forward push.

Derivation

From 'nose' plus the diminutive ending '-le', so literally 'a little nose' — the small spout or projecting outlet on a container or pipe. The use keeps that idea: a shaped outlet that directs and a flow leaving the engine.