Plain English Meaning

Small wing-shaped guides inside the engine that swivel to keep air flowing into the compressor at the right angle, no matter how fast the engine is running.

Full Definition

Adjustable blades inside the compressor section of a turbine engine that change their angle automatically as engine speed and operating conditions change. By rotating to different angles, they keep the airflow striking the following row of compressor blades at the correct angle, which prevents compressor stalls and maintains efficient compression across a wide range of power settings.

Context Anchor

Seen in turbine engine systems discussions, especially when how a turbine engine airflow during changes in .