atmospheric engine

American  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of atmospheric engine

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

Properly speaking, Newcomen's engine was not a steam, but an atmospheric engine; for though steam was employed, it formed no essential feature of the contrivance, and might have been replaced by an air-pump.

From Triumphs of Invention and Discovery in Art and Science by Fyfe, J. Hamilton

Question.—Who invented the atmospheric engine, and how was it constructed?

From The Stoker's Catechism by Connor, W. J.

At the second Parisian International Exhibition, 1867, an atmospheric engine, invented by Otto & Langen about this time, was shown.

From Gas and Oil Engines, Simply Explained An Elementary Instruction Book for Amateurs and Engine Attendants by Runciman, Walter C.

We find in 1752 a Mr. Champion of Bristol applied the atmospheric engine to raise water to drive a number of wheels for working machinery in a brasswork, in other words, a foundry.

From Lectures on Popular and Scientific Subjects by John Sutherland Sinclair, Earl of Caithness

Newcomen’s atmospheric engine was first made use of to work the pumps; and it continued to be so employed long after the more powerful and economical condensing engine of Watt had been invented. 

From Lives of the Engineers The Locomotive. George and Robert Stephenson by Smiles, Samuel