radial engine

noun

, Aeronautics.

1. an internal-combustion engine having the cylinders arranged in radial opposition, found mainly on older aircraft.

radial engine

noun

1. an internal-combustion engine having a number of cylinders arranged about a central crankcase

Word History and Origins

Origin of radial engine¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

The Flying Boxcars were powered by two Wright R-3350 Duplex Cyclone radial engines, each with 3,500 horsepower, and could reach a maximum speed of 296 miles per hour.

From Washington Times

It is not as interesting as a radial engine.

From Literature

The DC-3’s twin, 9-cylinder radial engines belch black smoke out of the exhaust pipes as their started up one at a time.

From Washington Times

The plan is to run all four of its radial engines Friday, a step that volunteers hope will put it one step closer to its first flight.

From Washington Times

But he says its 1,000-horsepower radial engine has seized up and will have to be rebuilt, which likely will take two to three years.

From Washington Times