Plain English Meaning

An engine that sucks in air, squeezes it, burns fuel in it, and shoots the hot gases out the back to push the aircraft forward.

Full Definition

A jet engine in which a turbine-driven compressor draws in and compresses air, mixes it with fuel, and ignites the mixture to produce a high-velocity exhaust stream that provides forward thrust. The exhaust also drives the turbine, which in turn powers the compressor.

Context Anchor

Seen in engine and icing discussions, especially when ice may form in or around the engine air inlet.

Derivation

From 'turbine' (a wheel turned by flowing fluid or gas) plus '' (a forceful stream). The name describes exactly what the engine does: a turbine drives the compressor, and the engine produces by ejecting a jet of hot exhaust.