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

Derived Forms

• stationary engineer
  noun

Etymology

Origin of stationary engine

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

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 valve-gear and the throttle-valve together take the place of the governor in the stationary engine, but while the governor acts automatically these are controlled by the engineer.

From The Story of Great Inventions by Burns, Elmer Ellsworth

There are tracks on each side for cable cars, worked by a stationary engine on the Brooklyn side, and on the outside are wagon-ways.

From Shepp's Photographs of the World by Shepp, James W.

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 Calhoon, Major A.R.