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steam engine

noun

  1. an engine worked by steam, typically one in which a sliding piston in a cylinder is moved by the expansive action of the steam generated in a boiler.


steam-engine

noun

  1. an engine that uses the thermal energy of steam to produce mechanical work, esp one in which steam from a boiler is expanded in a cylinder to drive a reciprocating piston


steam engine

  1. An engine in which the energy of hot steam is converted into mechanical power, especially an engine in which the force of expanding steam is used to drive one or more pistons. The source of the steam is typically external to the part of the machine that converts the steam energy into mechanical energy.


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Other Words From

  • steam-engine adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of steam engine1

First recorded in 1745–55

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Example Sentences

And the steam engine that powered the reciprocating motion of the sphere was located in a separate room from the patient.

My guess is that the death of Paterno will pump that steam engine even more.

His letter of a few months before reveals the facility with which he moulded the steam-engine to his requirements.

I am very glad you have succeeded with your portable steam-engine, and am persuaded they will be more and more adopted.

The economy of heat in smelting furnaces and in the arated steam-engine were bold means to large results.

The drawing shows the simplicity of parts of this highly expansive steam-engine, beginning the up-stroke with steam of 100 lbs.

This most simple steam-engine combined in the greatest degree the two elements of expansion and momentum.

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