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reaction engine

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noun Aeronautics, Rocketry.
  1. an engine that produces power as a reaction to the momentum given to gases ejected from it, as a rocket or jet engine.
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Origin of reaction engine

First recorded in 1865–70
Also called reaction motor.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for reaction engine

Historical Examples

  • It revolved by the agency of steam, and was of the form that we should now call a reaction-engine.

    History of the Conflict Between Religion and Science

    John William Draper

British Dictionary definitions for reaction engine

reaction engine

reaction motor

noun
  1. an engine, such as a jet or rocket engine, that ejects gas at high velocity and develops its thrust from the ensuing reaction
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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