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

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 Matthew Baird

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

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

Steam-boilers.—The steam supplied to the forms of stationary engine which have been described is generated in steam-boilers of exceedingly varied forms.

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