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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
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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 24 Nov. 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
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