turbine

Everyday

1. A turbine is a machine with blades that are turned by moving wind, water, steam or gas, and the turning is used to make electricity or power. tree →
2. A wind turbine is a tall tower with big blades that the wind spins to make electricity. tree →

In the lessons

In science, turbines show energy changing form: the movement (kinetic) energy of wind or water turns the blades, which spin a generator that makes electrical energy. Wind turbines and hydroelectric dams use renewable energy; power stations burn fuel or use nuclear heat to make steam that turns turbines. Jet engines in planes also have turbines. Phrases: wind turbine, wind farm, water turbine, steam turbine, gas turbine.

Examples

• Wind turbines on the hill turn slowly in the breeze. tree →
• A wind farm is a group of many turbines. tree →
• Water rushing through the dam spins the turbines. tree →
• The steam turns a turbine, which drives a generator. tree →
• Turbines make electricity without burning coal. tree →
• We built a little paper turbine and held it over a fan. tree →
• Jet engines have turbines inside them. tree →

Note

Countable: turbines. Pronounced «TUR-bine». Safety: do not climb fences around turbines or power stations. Fact: wind turbines only make electricity when there is enough wind, so they are used together with other energy sources.