afterburner
noun
af·ter·burn·er ˈaf-tər-ˌbər-nər 
1
: a device incorporated into the tailpipe of a turbojet engine for injecting fuel into the hot exhaust gases and burning it to provide extra thrust
2
: a device for burning or catalytically destroying unburned or partially burned carbon compounds in exhaust (as from an automobile)
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web In full afterburner, the Eagles quickly exhausted their fuel and were forced to leave. 
Eric Tegler, Popular Mechanics, 11 July 2021 The Thunderbirds dazzled the crowd with tight formations and adrenaline-inducing afterburner passes. Joshua Gunter, cleveland, 6 Sep. 2021 Diving in afterburner, North and his wingman scooted south at top speed. Eric Tegler, Popular Mechanics, 11 July 2021 While the other two F-16s scrambled to the area from the tanker, Nordo lit his afterburner, turning his jet and his wingman north to trap the MiG south of them in the no-fly zone. Eric Tegler, Popular Mechanics, 11 July 2021 The online forum has given its engine an afterburner. John Dorfman, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2021 As Chinese engine technology improves, the supercruise-capable WS-15, which has supersonic performance without fuel-thirsty afterburners, could be the springboard for future TRCC engines. Popular Science, 2 May 2018 Note the Su-27’s engines become white-hot as the Russian pilot hits the afterburners. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 5 Nov. 2018 Once Odell Beckham switched on the afterburners and jetted away from the Jets for the longest touchdown of his career, the Browns put a disappointing loss and an emotional week behind them. San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Sep. 2019 See More
Eric Tegler, Popular Mechanics, 11 July 2021 The Thunderbirds dazzled the crowd with tight formations and adrenaline-inducing afterburner passes. Joshua Gunter, cleveland, 6 Sep. 2021 Diving in afterburner, North and his wingman scooted south at top speed. Eric Tegler, Popular Mechanics, 11 July 2021 While the other two F-16s scrambled to the area from the tanker, Nordo lit his afterburner, turning his jet and his wingman north to trap the MiG south of them in the no-fly zone. Eric Tegler, Popular Mechanics, 11 July 2021 The online forum has given its engine an afterburner. John Dorfman, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2021 As Chinese engine technology improves, the supercruise-capable WS-15, which has supersonic performance without fuel-thirsty afterburners, could be the springboard for future TRCC engines. Popular Science, 2 May 2018 Note the Su-27’s engines become white-hot as the Russian pilot hits the afterburners. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 5 Nov. 2018 Once Odell Beckham switched on the afterburners and jetted away from the Jets for the longest touchdown of his career, the Browns put a disappointing loss and an emotional week behind them. San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Sep. 2019 See More Word History
Etymology
afterburning "burning of combustible gases after they have left the engine" (from after- + burning, gerund of burn entry 1) + -er entry 2
First Known Use
1947, in the meaning defined at sense 1