rotary engine

noun

1
: any of various engines (such as a turbine) in which power is applied to vanes or similar parts constrained to move in a circular path
2
: a radial engine in which the cylinders revolve about a stationary crankshaft

Examples of rotary engine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Impressively aerodynamic, the Ro 80’s long wheelbase, spacious greenhouse, and elegant shape were enabled by the use of Felix Wankel’s compact rotary engine. Raphael Orlove, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2025 By 1920, Berliner’s Gyro Motor Company had taken over the entire building to produce lightweight rotary engines for the first-ever helicopters. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 5 Dec. 2024 The engine itself features a novel design that's kind of like an inside-out Wankel rotary engine, and delivers a jaw-dropping power density of up to 1.5 horsepower per pound. New Atlas, 24 Sep. 2024 Every 4-stroke engine ever made – about 80% of all engines currently in existence – function on this principle – even rotary engines. New Atlas, 19 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for rotary engine

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rotary engine was in 1799

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Cite this Entry

“Rotary engine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rotary%20engine. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

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