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

Question.—What did James Watt do in connection with the atmospheric engine?

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

Watt first used it for his atmospheric engine.

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

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

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

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an atmospheric engine; for though steam was employed, it formed no essential feature of the contrivance, and might have been replaced by an air-pump.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