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

The company will use natural gas-powered reciprocating engines and batteries to provide off-grid electricity for data centers.

From Barron's

The company will use natural gas-powered reciprocating engines and batteries to provide off-grid electricity for data centers.

From Barron's

Caterpillar CAT 1.25%increase; green up pointing triangle , which has long provided power in remote locations for mining and oil-field operations, is seeing rising demand for its smaller turbines and reciprocating engines.

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