rotary engine
Americannoun
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an engine, as a turbine, in which the impelling fluid produces torque directly rather than by acting upon reciprocating parts.
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a revolving radial engine.
noun
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an internal-combustion engine having radial cylinders that rotate about a fixed crankshaft
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an engine, such as a turbine or wankel engine, in which power is transmitted directly to rotating components
Etymology
Origin of rotary engine
First recorded in 1810–20
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In 2024, the company reconstituted its rotary engine research group.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 24, 2026
Alongside Young’s RX-3 was Barbachan’s red ’72 Mazda RX-2, while Trujillo brought a vintage Mazda rotary engine pickup truck to the mix, as did Cabral with his ’74 sky-blue REPU.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 29, 2025
Mazda Motor Corp. is highlighting a sportscar concept that is a plug-in EV packed with its signature rotary engine.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 24, 2023
When he wasn’t looking for a job, Bruce worked on inventions—for 17 years on a design for a rotary engine that contained only three moving parts.
From Time ● Sep. 8, 2016
He had already, as has been seen, described it in his patent of 1769, as also the rotary engine.
From A History of the Growth of the Steam-Engine by Robert H. Thurston
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
