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

This was driven first by a ten-horse, and next by a forty-horse stationary engine, and afterwards by a forty-horse oscillator.

From History of Steam on the Erie Canal by Anonymous

It could not climb a hill, and when a grade was reached, the cars had to be pulled up or let down with ropes managed by a stationary engine.

From Great Inventions and Discoveries by Willis Duff Piercy

While still in his teens he found employment in running a stationary engine.

From How to Get on in the World A Ladder to Practical Success by Major A.R. Calhoon