| an engine of one or more working cylinders in which the process of combustion takes place within the cylinders. |
Any engine powered by burning fuel inside it (for example, a standard automobile engine). Internal-combustion engines normally burn fossil fuels and therefore are a major source of air pollution. (See smog.)
internal-combustion engine  (ĭn-tûr'nəl-kəm-bŭs'chən) Pronunciation Key
(click for larger image in new window) An engine whose fuel is burned inside the engine itself rather than in an outside furnace or burner. Gasoline and diesel engines are internal-combustion engines, as are gas turbine engines such as turbojets. Compare steam engine. |