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

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

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

The principal use of the stationary engine is confined to the driving of electric generators and the furnishing of motive power in shops and factories.

From Steam Engines Machinery's Reference Series, Number 70 by Anonymous

The first thing to do in taking charge of a stationary engine boiler is to know from personal inspection that the safety fittings and the boiler-feeding apparatus are in good order.

From Modern Machine-Shop Practice, Volumes I and II by Joshua Rose

It was formerly usual to adopt the condensing engine in mills, and wherever a stationary engine was required.

From A History of the Growth of the Steam-Engine by Robert H. Thurston