Afterburner

Definition

A jet engine system that injects fuel for rapid acceleration beyond normal operating parameters. When pilots need to go really, really fast right now.

Example Usage

The fighter pilot engaged afterburners to escape the missile lock.

Origin

Jet engine terminology, 1940s onwards

Fun Fact

Afterburners use massive fuel and aren't sustainable—they're a tactical sprint, not a marathon.

Source: Air operations and aerospace engineering terminology

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