definitions

Whyte classification

[ hwahyt, wahyt ]
/ ʰwaɪt, waɪt /

noun

a system for classifying steam locomotives according to the total number of wheels on the front trucks, drivers, and rear trucks, in that order. For example, a Pacific locomotive is designated as 4-6-2.

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Origin of Whyte classification

after Frederic M. Whyte, engineer for the New York Central Railroad c1900, who devised the system
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019