An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

An engine or motor in which the → kinetic energy of a moving → fluid (water, steam, air, or hot gases) acts on the blades, vanes, or buckets of a → rotor to produce rotational motion that can be converted into electrical or mechanical power. In an impulse turbine the turbine is driven by free jets of fluid striking the blades. In a reaction turbine the turbine is driven by the reactive force of a fluid passing through the rotor blades. Turbines are used in hydroelectric power generators, ship propulsion systems, and jet aircraft engines.

Etymology (EN): From Fr. turbine, from L. turbinem (nominative turbo) “spinning top, eddy, whirlwind,” related to turba “turmoil, crowd.”

Etymology (PE): Turbin, loan from Fr., as above.