diesel engine
noun
a compression-ignition engine in which a spray of fuel, introduced into air compressed to a temperature of approximately 1000° F (538° C), ignites at a virtually constant pressure.
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Nearby words
dies committee, dies irae, dies non, diesel, diesel cycle, diesel engine, diesel fuel, diesel oil, diesel-electric, diesel-hydraulic, dieseling
Origin of diesel engine
First recorded in 1890–95
Also called diesel.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for diesel engine
diesel engine
diesel motor
noun
a type of internal-combustion engine in which atomized fuel oil is sprayed into the cylinder and ignited by compression alone
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Science definitions for diesel engine
diesel engine
[ dē′zəl ]
An internal-combustion engine in which the fuel oil is ignited by the heat of air that has been highly compressed in the cylinder, rather than by a spark. Due to the need for the engine to withstand very high pressures, diesel engines are relatively heavy; however, they are relatively fuel-efficient, especially when running at low power.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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