single-acting

[ sing-guhl-ak-ting ]

/ ˈsɪŋ gəlˈæk tɪŋ /

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adjective

(of a reciprocating engine, pump, etc.) having pistons accomplishing work only in one direction.Compare double-acting (def. 1).

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

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Origin of single-acting

First recorded in 1815–25

Words nearby single-acting

singingfish, singing game, singing hinny, singing telegram, single, single-acting, single-action, single-barrel, single-blind, single bond, single-breasted

How to use single-acting in a sentence

The surface-condenser is cleared by a single-acting air-pump, inside the frame, at T.
A History of the Growth of the Steam-Engine|Robert H. Thurston
As single-acting pumps give an intermittent discharge three are generally used on cranks at 120.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 14, Slice 1|Various
The engine is made with either one or two cylinders, and is, of course, single-acting.
Scientific American Supplement, No. 481, March 21, 1885|Various
This is particularly true of the single-acting engines so widely used for horse-powers less than 100 to 150.
Gas-Engines and Producer-Gas Plants|R. E. Mathot

In large, single-acting gas-engines, a considerable displacement of air is thus produced.
Gas-Engines and Producer-Gas Plants|R. E. Mathot

British Dictionary definitions for single-acting

single-acting

adjective

(of a reciprocating engine or pump) having a piston or pistons that are pressurized on one side onlyCompare double-acting (def. 1)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012