external combustion engine

noun

: a heat engine (such as a steam engine) that derives its heat from fuel consumed outside the cylinder

Examples of external combustion engine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
No operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device. Scott D. Pierce, The Salt Lake Tribune, 14 June 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of external combustion engine was in 1890

Dictionary Entries Near external combustion engine

Cite this Entry

“External combustion engine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/external%20combustion%20engine. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

external-combustion engine

noun
: a heat engine (as a steam engine) that gets its heat from fuel burned outside the engine cylinder
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!