atmospheric engine

noun

1. an early form of single-acting engine in which the power stroke is provided by atmospheric pressure acting upon a piston in an exhausted cylinder.

Word History and Origins

Origin of atmospheric engine¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

The cylinder was let down into the top of the boiler, and like Newcomen's atmospheric engine had no cylinder cover.

From Project Gutenberg

This Piston T S, acts only one way, like that of an atmospheric engine, a thing now quite out of date!

From Project Gutenberg

The essential features of the atmospheric engine were not new.

From Project Gutenberg

This is the extent as far as I know of Savory's claim to be the inventor of the atmospheric engine.

From Project Gutenberg

On the other hand, the atmospheric engine was limited in its power only by the dimensions of its piston.

From Project Gutenberg