afterburner

noun

af·​ter·​burn·​er ˈaf-tər-ˌbər-nər 

1

: a device incorporated into the tailpipe of a turbojet engine for injecting fuel into the hot exhaust gases and burning it to provide extra thrust

2

: a device for burning or catalytically destroying unburned or partially burned carbon compounds in exhaust (as from an automobile)

Examples of afterburner in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Our takeoff was uneventful, and without afterburners. —Jim Clash, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

Usually, the result is that Walker turns on the afterburners and wins the duel. —Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024

Thuram kicked it long and put the afterburners on, fully expecting to leave Pepe in the dust/grass, but Pepe just about kept up. —Amy Lawrence, The Athletic, 5 July 2024

Two red marbles serve as the jet’s afterburners while one green one represents the landing gear. —Daniel Brown, The Athletic, 26 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

afterburning "burning of combustible gases after they have left the engine" (from after- + burning, gerund of burn entry 1) + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

afterburner

noun

af·​ter·​burn·​er -ˌbər-nər 

: a burner attached to the tail pipe of a turbojet engine for forcing fuel into the hot exhaust gases and burning it to provide extra forward push