reactor
/reaɡtoɾ/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the English word 'jet' (referring to an engine) is translated as reactor.
The term reactor is used to describe the specific engine mechanism found in jets or rockets.
Meaning: engine (noun)
Which one should you use?
While motor is a general term for an engine, reactor specifically refers to the jet or rocket engine mechanism. The more technical term for a turbojet engine is turborreactor.
How do you pronounce it?
/reaɡtoɾ/
Did you know?
- The word reactor is also used in Spanish to describe a nuclear reactor. Depending on the context, the same word can refer to a piece of propulsion technology or a power plant core.
- While 'jet' in English refers to the propulsion, a Spanish speaker might use chorro to describe the literal 'jet' of water or air coming out of a nozzle.
- In some Latin American regions, people might use the anglicism jet to refer to the plane itself, even though it is not the 'correct' Spanish term for the engine.
Examples in context
- El presidente llegó en un avión privado.The president arrived in a private jet.
- El reactor del avión falló.The airplane engine failed.
- Necesitamos limpiar el reactor del jet.We need to clean the jet engine.
- El ruido del reactor es muy fuerte.The sound of the engine is very loud.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are looking at a model airplane.
- DanielMira el tamaño de ese reactor.Look at the size of that jet engine.
- LucíaEs impresionante, Daniel.It is impressive, Daniel.
- DanielMe pregunto cómo funciona el reactor.I wonder how the jet engine works.
- LucíaPodemos leer el manual, Lucía dice.We can read the manual, Lucía says.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
