atmospheric engine

American  

noun

1. an early form of single-acting engine in which the power stroke is provided by atmospheric pressure acting upon a piston in an exhausted cylinder.

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Etymology

Origin of atmospheric engine

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

In 1864 Otto's atmospheric engine was invented, in which a heavily-loaded piston was forced upward by an explosion of gas and air drawn in at atmospheric pressure.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 508, September 26, 1885 by Various

Newcomen’s atmospheric engine was first made use of to work the pumps; and it continued to be so employed long after the more powerful and economical condensing engine of Watt had been invented. 

From Lives of the Engineers The Locomotive. George and Robert Stephenson by Smiles, Samuel

Question.—What did James Watt do in connection with the atmospheric engine?

From The Stoker's Catechism by Connor, W. J.

Mr. Foulis asked what proportion the power indicated on the diagram bore to the power indicated on the brake in the atmospheric engine.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 508, September 26, 1885 by Various

Properly speaking, Newcomen's engine was not a steam, but an atmospheric engine; for though steam was employed, it formed no essential feature of the contrivance, and might have been replaced by an air-pump.

From Triumphs of Invention and Discovery in Art and Science by Fyfe, J. Hamilton