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engine turning

American  

noun

  1. ornamentation having the form of a pattern of circular arcs, engraved by a rose engine.


Etymology

Origin of engine turning

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Thudding drums, an electric guitar that chugs like a tank’s engine turning over and blaring trumpet fanfare announce the onset of football on CBS, Fox and NBC.

From Salon • Mar. 18, 2026

This decorative technique is know as guilloché, which was invented in the 1500s and also is known as engine turning.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2023

A turboprop is a jet engine turning a propeller.

From Washington Post • Sep. 10, 2021

“They’ll do enough to keep the engine turning over and be a big help in a crisis, but they’re not able to take the lead on policy formation,” he added.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 10, 2017

Snuff boxes ornamented with devices, in imitation of carved work or of rose engine turning, are sold at a price which proves that they are only imitations.

From On the Economy of Machinery and Manufactures by Babbage, Charles

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