steam engine

American  

noun

1. an engine worked by steam, typically one in which a sliding piston in a cylinder is moved by the expansive action of the steam generated in a boiler.

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steam-engine British  

noun

1. an engine that uses the thermal energy of steam to produce mechanical work, esp one in which steam from a boiler is expanded in a cylinder to drive a reciprocating piston

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steam engine Scientific  

1. An engine in which the energy of hot steam is converted into mechanical power, especially an engine in which the force of expanding steam is used to drive one or more pistons. The source of the steam is typically external to the part of the machine that converts the steam energy into mechanical energy.

2. Compare internal-combustion engine

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Other Word Forms

• steam-engine adjective

Etymology

Origin of steam engine

First recorded in 1745–55

Example Sentences

“No time to read it now. Train’s here,” says Colin, pointing to the approaching steam engine in the distance.

From Literature

Brown is one in a long line of entrepreneurs who saw the high-growth potential of innovations like the steam engine, manned flight, computers, and artificial intelligence—and took a financial leap to make it happen.

From Barron's

The steam engine let out a puffy hiss on its tracks, reminding us of what lay ahead.

From Literature

We also approach the 250th anniversary of James Watt’s first commercial steam engine going on-line in March 1776, starting an industrial revolution.

From Barron's

We also approach the 250th anniversary of James Watt’s first commercial steam engine going on-line in March 1776, starting an industrial revolution.

From Barron's