réacteur dorsal
The English phrase jet pack is translated into French as réacteur dorsal.
The term refers to a piece of equipment worn on the back that provides vertical thrust.
Meaning: Equipment worn on the back for vertical thrust (noun)
Did you know?
- In French popular culture, the term jet pack is often used directly as an anglicism, especially in gaming and sci-fi contexts, rather than the formal réacteur dorsal.
- The term réacteur dorsal sounds clinical to native speakers because dorsal is primarily used in medical terminology to describe the human back.
- The term réacteur is built from réaction, reflecting the physics of action and reaction that makes the device work.
Examples in context
- Il a activé son réacteur dorsal.He activated his jet pack.
- Le réacteur dorsal est très lourd.The jet pack is very heavy.
- Elle vérifie les commandes du réacteur dorsal.She is checking the jet pack controls.
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are preparing for a sci-fi movie shoot.
- EmmaLucas, est-ce que ton réacteur dorsal est prêt ?Lucas, is your jet pack ready?
- LucasOui, je viens de l'installer.Yes, I just installed it.
- EmmaParfait, le technicien arrive pour t'aider.Perfect, the technician is coming to help you.
- LucasMerci, j'ai un peu peur de voler.Thanks, I am a little afraid of flying.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jet pack” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dorsal, réacteur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
