stationary engine

American  

noun

1. an engine mounted in a fixed position, as one used for driving generators, compressors, etc.

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stationary engine British  

noun

1. an engine that remains in a fixed position, esp one in a building that drives generators or other machinery

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Other Word Forms

• stationary engineer noun

Etymology

Origin of stationary engine

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

The ground-breaking locomotive was also rail-breaking too as it was so heavy it broke the rails of the tramroad and was later converted into a stationary engine that drove a forge hammer at Homfray's Penydarren works.

From BBC

There’s also a pioneer village, a large stationary engine display and a giant pumpkin contest.

From Washington Times

This original stationary engine, constructed prior to 1830, has been in almost constant service since its completion, and at this day is still in use, furnishing all the power required to drive the machinery in the erecting-shop of the present works.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Baldwin's attention was thenceforward given to locomotive building exclusively, except that a stationary engine was occasionally constructed.

From Project Gutenberg

The English Board of Trade recommends that the rivet section should always be in excess of the plate section, whereas, in ordinary American practice, for stationary engine boilers, the plate and rivet percentages are made equal.

From Project Gutenberg