reciprocating engine

noun

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

reciprocating engine

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of reciprocating engine¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

But smaller turbines, reciprocating engines or fuel cells that also can use natural gas remain available—for now.

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But old-fashioned reciprocating engines from Caterpillar and Wartsilla - essentially big, natural gas-fueled versions of the internal combustion engine - are gaining favor, too.

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Natural gas reciprocating engines are especially well positioned to take advantage of the surge in demand in gas-rich nations like Indonesia, Malaysia and Australia.

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Caterpillar also said it is realigning parts of its reciprocating engine business to better align with "global customer requirements."

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Description.—The propelling machinery was of the combination type, having two sets of reciprocating engines driving the wing propellers and a low-pressure turbine working the center propeller.

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