reciprocating engine

American  

noun

1. any engine employing the rectilinear motion of one or more pistons in cylinders.

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reciprocating engine British  

noun

1. an engine in which one or more pistons move backwards and forwards inside a cylinder or cylinders

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Etymology

Origin of reciprocating engine

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

reciprocating engine

Caterpillar has said that it would increase its turbine manufacturing by 2.5 times and that it would increase its large reciprocating engine capacity to three times its 2024 levels.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 1, 2026

At the same time, oil and gas is expected to see moderate growth this year, with reciprocating engine sales expected to increase, driven by strong demand in gas compression applications, Creed says.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 1, 2026

His newly acquired Joshua Hendy Iron Works had built the two-story-high, 271,000-lb. reciprocating engine, and Moore was aboard to see how it performed.

From Time Magazine Archive

And there were still many jet plane problems to be licked before the planes were as practical as reciprocating engine types.

From Time Magazine Archive

The engineers' accommodation was in the next compartment directly alongside the casing of the reciprocating engine room.

From Loss of the Steamship 'Titanic' by Government, British