diesel engine

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

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

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of diesel engine¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

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

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

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"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.

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

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In the last decade, several car makers admitted to lying about the emissions produced by their diesel engines.

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Related Words

• diesel