reciprocating engine

American  

noun

1. any engine employing the rectilinear motion of one or more pistons in cylinders.

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reciprocating engine British  

noun

1. an engine in which one or more pistons move backwards and forwards inside a cylinder or cylinders

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Etymology

Origin of reciprocating engine

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

At the same time, oil and gas is expected to see moderate growth this year, with reciprocating engine sales expected to increase, driven by strong demand in gas compression applications, Creed says.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

Given one more year to refine and modify the reciprocating engine, Riccardo insists, Chrysler could probably meet the California standards without using catalytic converters.

From Time Magazine Archive

One of the engine's best attributes: it can be replaced in 15 minutes�against an average of nine hours for the standard plane's reciprocating engine.

From Time Magazine Archive

There was plenty of space for a seated pilot behind a reciprocating engine.

From Time Magazine Archive

The water-tight bulkheads come up to this deck throughout the length from the stern as far forward as the bulkhead dividing the after boiler room from the reciprocating engine room.

From Loss of the Steamship 'Titanic' by Government, British