Rankine cycle


nounThermodynamics.
  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.

Origin of Rankine cycle

1
First recorded in 1895–1900; named after W. J. M. Rankine

Words Nearby Rankine cycle

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British Dictionary definitions for Rankine cycle

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

Origin of Rankine cycle

1
C19: named after W. J. M. Rankine (1820–72), Scottish physicist

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