steam engine
noun
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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Origin of steam engine
First recorded in 1745–55
OTHER WORDS FROM steam engine
steam-en·gine, adjectiveWords nearby steam engine
steam bath, steam beer, steam boiler, steam chest, steam coal, steam engine, steam fitter, steam fog, steam hammer, steam heat, steam heating
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Scientific definitions for steam engine
steam engine
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. Compare internal-combustion engine.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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