reciprocating engine

noun

1. any engine employing the rectilinear motion of one or more pistons in cylinders.

reciprocating engine

noun

1. an engine in which one or more pistons move backwards and forwards inside a cylinder or cylinders

Word History and Origins

Origin of reciprocating engine¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

But old-fashioned reciprocating engines from Caterpillar and Wartsilla - essentially big, natural gas-fueled versions of the internal combustion engine - are gaining favor, too.

From Reuters

Natural gas reciprocating engines are especially well positioned to take advantage of the surge in demand in gas-rich nations like Indonesia, Malaysia and Australia.

From Forbes

Caterpillar also said it is realigning parts of its reciprocating engine business to better align with "global customer requirements."

From Chicago Tribune

Description.—The propelling machinery was of the combination type, having two sets of reciprocating engines driving the wing propellers and a low-pressure turbine working the center propeller.

From Project Gutenberg

The indicated horsepower of the "Titanic" was 50,000, developed in two reciprocating engines driving two wing propellers and a single turbine driving a central propeller.

From Scientific American