ion engine

noun

: a reaction engine deriving thrust from the ejection of a stream of ionized particles

Examples of ion engine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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On the surface, ion engines might seem like a poor choice for faster Mars missions. New Atlas, 12 May 2026 Missions utilizing ion engines have so far obtained their power from the sun by unfurling solar arrays. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 5 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ion engine was in 1958

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Cite this Entry

“Ion engine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ion%20engine. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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