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Otto cycle

noun

, Thermodynamics.
  1. an idealization of the thermodynamic cycle of the internal combustion engine with air as the working substance: intake of air at atmospheric pressure, then adiabatic compression, then ignition with an increase of pressure and temperature at constant volume, then adiabatic expansion and performance of work, then a drop to atmospheric pressure at constant volume and a rejection of heat to the environment, then the exhaust of air at constant pressure.


Otto cycle

noun

  1. an engine cycle used on four-stroke petrol engines ( Otto engines ) in which, ideally, combustion and rejection of heat both take place at constant volume Compare diesel cycle
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of Otto cycle1

1885–90; named after Nikolaus August Otto, 1832–91, German engineer and inventor
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Word History and Origins

Origin of Otto cycle1

C19: named after Nikolaus August Otto (1832–91), German engineer
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Example Sentences

In the ordinary "Otto-cycle" motor an explosion occurs once in every two revolutions of the crank.

The greater number of engines used in automobiles to-day are of the kind known as the Otto cycle, or four-cycle, engine.

Practically all motor-cycle engines work on the "Otto-cycle" principle.

Also the difference between Otto cycle and Diesel becomes slight as the compression ratios come closer together.

In the same period light and heavy oil engines have been developed, mostly using the Otto cycle (see Oil Engine).

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