propellant

views updated May 29 2018

pro·pel·lant / prəˈpelənt/ • n. a thing or substance that causes something to move or be driven forward or outward, in particular: ∎  an inert fluid, liquefied under pressure, in which the active contents of an aerosol are dispersed. ∎  an explosive that fires bullets from a firearm. ∎  a substance used as a reagent in a rocket engine to provide thrust.• adj. another term for propellent.