stationary engine

American  

noun

1. an engine mounted in a fixed position, as one used for driving generators, compressors, etc.

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stationary engine British  

noun

1. an engine that remains in a fixed position, esp one in a building that drives generators or other machinery

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Other Word Forms

• stationary engineer
  noun

Etymology

Origin of stationary engine

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

stationary engine

In 1880 Vacuum was absorbed by Standard Oil and developed rapidly when lubricating oil was needed for the stationary engine, the automobile, and finally the electric generator, motor and transformer and the steam turbine.

From Time Magazine Archive

His father worked for the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Coal Co., first running the stationary engine in the shaft, then working on a company-owned farm.

From Time Magazine Archive

Mr. Baldwin's attention was thenceforward given to locomotive building exclusively, except that a stationary engine was occasionally constructed.

From Illustrated Catalogue of Locomotives Baldwin Locomotive Works by Baird, Matthew

Some were unloading the flat-cars, others were “assembling” a stationary engine near the wall of the butte.

From 'Firebrand' Trevison by Ivory, P. V. E. (Percy Van Eman)

Anyone who possesses a fair-sized stationary engine and boiler might increase the realism of the outdoor track by setting up a generating station, which will give a good deal of extra fun.

From Things To Make by Williams, Archibald