steam turbine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-frequency term. Common in engineering, energy, and industrial contexts, but rare in everyday conversation.Technical / Formal.
Quick answer
What does “steam turbine” mean?
A rotary mechanical device that extracts thermal energy from pressurized steam and converts it into useful mechanical work, primarily used for electricity generation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rotary mechanical device that extracts thermal energy from pressurized steam and converts it into useful mechanical work, primarily used for electricity generation.
The term can also refer to the broader system including the turbine itself and its associated components (e.g., casing, blades, rotor). It represents a key technology of the Industrial Revolution and modern thermal power generation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The spelling 'turbine' is consistent. The concept is identical.
Connotations
In both regions, it connotes heavy industry, power generation, and historical engineering prowess.
Frequency
Frequency is similarly low in both dialects, limited to technical and historical discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “steam turbine” in a Sentence
The [POWER PLANT] uses a [ADJECTIVE] steam turbine to [VERB] electricity.The [ENGINEER] inspected the [COMPONENT] of the steam turbine.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “steam turbine” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The plant turbines the steam to produce electricity for the national grid.
- They are turbining at full capacity to meet demand.
American English
- The facility turbines steam to generate power for the regional network.
- The system was turbining efficiently after the overhaul.
adverb
British English
- [Not standard; the concept is not typically expressed adverbially.]
American English
- [Not standard; the concept is not typically expressed adverbially.]
adjective
British English
- The steam-turbine hall was a cathedral of industry.
- They ordered new steam-turbine components from Germany.
American English
- The steam-turbine generator set is due for maintenance.
- He specialized in steam-turbine design principles.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in energy sector reports, investment in power generation infrastructure.
Academic
A key topic in mechanical engineering, thermodynamics, and history of technology courses.
Everyday
Might appear in documentaries about ships, power stations, or the Industrial Revolution.
Technical
Detailed discussions of metallurgy, blade design, thermal efficiency, Rankine cycle, maintenance procedures.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “steam turbine”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “steam turbine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “steam turbine”
- Confusing 'steam turbine' with the broader 'steam engine' (which often uses pistons).
- Using 'steam turbine' to refer to a gas turbine.
- Misspelling 'turbine' as 'turbin' or 'turbiene'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A steam engine typically uses a piston and cylinder arrangement (reciprocating motion), while a steam turbine uses rotating blades (rotary motion). Turbines are generally more efficient for large-scale, constant-speed power generation.
Primarily in thermal power plants (coal, nuclear, geothermal, concentrated solar), and historically in large ships like ocean liners and battleships.
Not for power generation. They are designed for unidirectional flow. However, small adjustments in blade angles might allow some reverse rotation, but it's not an operational mode.
Key components include the rotor (shaft with blades), stator (stationary blades or nozzles), casing, bearings, seals, and a governing system to control speed.
A rotary mechanical device that extracts thermal energy from pressurized steam and converts it into useful mechanical work, primarily used for electricity generation.
Steam turbine is usually technical / formal. in register.
Steam turbine: in British English it is pronounced /stiːm ˈtɜːbaɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /stim ˈtɜːrbaɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not typically used idiomatically]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a pinwheel spun by the steam from a boiling kettle, but on a massive, industrial scale to generate power.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE HEART OF THE POWER STATION (as a vital, driving organ); A GIANT'S WHIRLING TOOL.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a steam turbine?