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.

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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

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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.

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Etymology

Origin of diesel engine

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

In general, petrol vehicles registered from 2006 onwards and diesel engine vehicles registered after September 2015 will meet the required standards.

From BBC

Work assignments include the bridge, where the captain commands the vessel, and the engine room below deck, where massive diesel engines power the Golden Bear on voyages to Asia, Europe and Latin America.

From Los Angeles Times

About the only difference is the electric buses are quieter than those with clattering diesel engines and noisy heaters, but few people notice, she says.

From Seattle Times

A full charge takes about 90 minutes, according to Pierce Manufacturing, and the vehicle also has a backup diesel engine.

From Seattle Times

Its current portfolio includes Indonesian beauty and personal care company PT Victoria Care Indonesia and Singapore-headquartered marine diesel engine services firm Power Diesel, the website shows.

From Reuters

Related Words

• diesel