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Definition of afterburner

afterburner

/ˈæf.tɚˌbɝː.nɚ/
af · ter · burn · er
Plural:afterburners
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afterburner Lexical Profile

afterburner Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An auxiliary combustion component on a jet engine that injects additional fuel into the hot exhaust stream behind the turbine to provide extra thrust, especially for supersonic flight or rapid takeoff.

Example

"The test pilot engaged the afterburner to accelerate the experimental aircraft past the speed of sound."

2

A secondary burner installed in the exhaust system of an industrial furnace, kiln, or internal combustion engine to burn off unconsumed pollutants and gases before they are released into the atmosphere.

Example

"The manufacturing plant installed a thermal afterburner in the smokestack to reduce harmful emissions."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for afterburner

• Nearby Words

aft
after
afterbirth
afterburner
aftercare
aftereffect
afterglow

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 1940s during the rapid development of jet propulsion, combining 'after-' (referring to the position behind the main turbine) and 'burner'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Afterburner. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/afterburner
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