radial engine

noun

: a usually internal combustion engine with cylinders arranged radially like the spokes of a wheel

Examples of radial engine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
For starters, unlike a traditional reciprocating engine, a radial engine needs a completely unique crank drive. New Atlas, 19 Sep. 2024 The aircraft has a Scarlett 7U radial engine, authentic two-piece glass windscreens, and analog-gauge panel that set it apart from the Junior. Julie Boatman, Robb Report, 15 Apr. 2024 He's been a veteran of airshows for more than 25 years, holding commercial, instrument, single-engine and multi-engine ratings in both land and sea aircraft and helicopters, along with ratings in ex-military jets and high-performance radial engine aircraft. Katie Dupere, Men's Health, 26 May 2023 Minutes later, crew chief Tim Bourgoine was on a ladder, his arms and tools sunk inside the giant radial engine to fix a bad spark plug — a piffle as far as the average Flying Fortress bomber was concerned. Fredrick Kunkle, Washington Post, 12 Nov. 2019 The two-engine bombers, powered by Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial engines, were designed to fly lower and to hit smaller targets than heavier bombers, such as B-17s and B-24s, McCaslin said. David Owens, courant.com, 7 July 2018 Against a wall is probably the rarest bike in the entire collection, a 1922 Megola, with a five-cylinder radial engine attached to the front wheel. Charles Fleming, latimes.com, 14 Feb. 2018 The 757-cubic-inch, 300-hp radial engine is connected to a TH400 automatic transmission via a belt. Alexander Stoklosa, Car and Driver, 1 Nov. 2017 The loud drone of the four 1,200-horsepower, Wright Cyclone radial engines sounds like no other airplane flying. David Owens, courant.com, 14 Sep. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of radial engine was in 1909

Dictionary Entries Near radial engine

Cite this Entry

“Radial engine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radial%20engine. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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