diesel engine

noun

1. a compression-ignition engine in which a spray of fuel, introduced into air compressed to a temperature of approximately 1000° F (538° C), ignites at a virtually constant pressure.

diesel engine

noun

1. a type of internal-combustion engine in which atomized fuel oil is sprayed into the cylinder and ignited by compression alone

diesel engine

/ dē′zəl /

1. An internal-combustion engine in which the fuel oil is ignited by the heat of air that has been highly compressed in the cylinder, rather than by a spark. Due to the need for the engine to withstand very high pressures, diesel engines are relatively heavy; however, they are relatively fuel-efficient, especially when running at low power.

Word History and Origins

Origin of diesel engine¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

As the UK’s fleet of diesel engines approaches retirement, manufacturers are looking to replace them with environmentally-friendly alternatives.

From BBC

When she imitates the thrum of diesel engines that accompany most of her childhood memories, it’s with heartfelt nostalgia.

From Los Angeles Times

The train ride — a one-eighth scale model of a diesel engine — first arrived at Descanso Gardens as a seasonal attraction in the 1980s, and became a permanent feature in 1996.

From Los Angeles Times

The first came after a crew member mistakenly closed an exhaust damper during maintenance, causing one of the ship’s diesel engines to stall, according to the safety report.

From Seattle Times

The ship’s first power outage occurred after a crew member mistakenly closed an exhaust damper while conducting maintenance in port, causing one of its diesel engines to stall, according to the report.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• diesel