-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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
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
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.
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?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share