Rankine cycle

noun

, Thermodynamics.

1. the hypothetical cycle of a steam engine in which all heat transfers take place at constant pressure and in which expansion and compression occur adiabatically.

Rankine cycle

/ ˈræŋkɪn /

noun

1. the thermodynamic cycle in steam engines by which water is pumped into a boiler at one end and the steam is condensed at the other

Word History and Origins

Origin of Rankine cycle¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; named after W. J. M. Rankine

Word History and Origins

Origin of Rankine cycle¹

C19: named after W. J. M. Rankine (1820–72), Scottish physicist