diesel engine

American  

noun

1. 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.

---

diesel engine British  

noun

1. a type of internal-combustion engine in which atomized fuel oil is sprayed into the cylinder and ignited by compression alone

---

diesel engine Scientific  

/ dē′zəl /

1. 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.

---

Etymology

Origin of diesel engine

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

"I feel like I'm more of a diesel engine sometimes where I need to get going first, then at some point I'll start playing good tennis. I have to play a preparation tournament."

From Barron's

Ms Brankin said Ford was yet to make any decisions about the future of the plant, which will build diesel engines up until 2030.

From BBC

So, at this key moment, the Soviets had to rely on older boats powered by a combination of batteries and diesel engines.

From Literature

"You couldn't tell the difference of a car with a petrol or diesel engine, I would like to say the same about an electric car," he said.

From BBC

Because drayage trucks concentrate fume-pumping diesel engines in a tight location, the air quality in residential areas adjacent to ports suffers.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• diesel