Plain English Meaning

Powered by an engine that uses a jet-style turbine to spin a propeller. The propeller does the work of pulling the airplane through the air; the turbine just provides the spinning power.

Full Definition

Describes an aircraft driven by a turbopropeller engine, in which a gas turbine produces shaft power that turns a propeller through a reduction gearbox. The propeller produces nearly all of the thrust, while the turbine's exhaust contributes only a small amount.

Context Anchor

Seen when comparing airplane types, especially in discussions of operating larger, faster, or more advanced propeller airplanes.

Derivation

Built from 'turbo-' (from Latin 'turbo', meaning a spinning or whirling thing — the same as turbine) and 'propeller' (from Latin 'propellere', to drive forward). So a turbopropeller is literally a turbine driving a forward-pulling propeller. 'Powered' simply indicates the airplane uses this of engine.