stationary engine

American  

noun

1. an engine mounted in a fixed position, as one used for driving generators, compressors, etc.

---

stationary engine British  

noun

1. an engine that remains in a fixed position, esp one in a building that drives generators or other machinery

---

Other Word Forms

• stationary engineer
  noun

Etymology

Origin of stationary engine

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

stationary engine

His father worked for the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Coal Co., first running the stationary engine in the shaft, then working on a company-owned farm.

From Time Magazine Archive

In 1880 Vacuum was absorbed by Standard Oil and developed rapidly when lubricating oil was needed for the stationary engine, the automobile, and finally the electric generator, motor and transformer and the steam turbine.

From Time Magazine Archive

Shows the horsepower of any stationary engine without calculation.

From Aviation Engines Design?Construction?Operation and Repair by Pag?, Victor Wilfred

Where much power is required, the stationary engine is usually an horizontal direct-acting engine, having a more or less effective cut-off valve-gear, according to the size of engine and the cost of fuel.

From A History of the Growth of the Steam-Engine by Thurston, Robert H.

He had heard Clark say that his mother lived sixty miles back of Nashville, and Russell had once run a stationary engine in Missouri.

From Mississippi Outlaws and the Detectives Don Pedro and the Detectives; Poisoner and the Detectives by Pinkerton, Allan