diesel engine

American  

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.

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diesel engine British  

noun

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

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diesel engine Scientific  

/ 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.

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Etymology

Origin of diesel engine

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

But Langer said she believes diesel engines will eventually be replaced, in much the same way diesel-electric locomotives replaced steam engines last century.

From The Wall Street Journal

The researchers suggest that WiDE could offer a simpler and cleaner option that works in existing diesel engines without requiring modifications.

From Science Daily

The batteries will have about as much capacity as 200 Tesla Model 3s, and a 500-mile range without using the diesel engine.

From The Wall Street Journal

At a suburban Kyiv railway station, two carriages painted in the blue and white livery of Ukrainian Railways sit on the main platform, their diesel engines running as snow steadily falls.

From BBC

"I feel like I'm more of a diesel engine sometimes where I need to get going first, then at some point I'll start playing good tennis. I have to play a preparation tournament."

From Barron's

Related Words

• diesel