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

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

From that came the stationary engine, and from that the engine as applied to the locomotive.

From American Men of Mind by Stevenson, Burton Egbert

The powerful stationary engine situated a mile away, by means of the chain beneath the road-bed quietly winds the car up the declivity however heavily it may be laden, without the least slacking of speed.

From Foot-prints of Travel or, Journeyings in Many Lands by Ballou, Maturin Murray

Shows the horsepower of any stationary engine without calculation.

From Aviation Engines Design?Construction?Operation and Repair by Pag?, Victor Wilfred