reciprocating engine

American  

noun

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

---

reciprocating engine British  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of reciprocating engine

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

Caterpillar, mainly known for construction equipment, is seeing a spurt in demand from data centers for its turbines and reciprocating engines.

From The Wall Street Journal

In an interview, ProPetro executives said the company will use reciprocating engines powered by natural gas, paired with batteries that can ramp power supply up and down quickly.

From Barron's

In an interview, ProPetro executives said the company will use reciprocating engines powered by natural gas, paired with batteries that can ramp power supply up and down quickly.

From Barron's

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From Reuters