steam engine

  • 1steam engine — steam engine, adj. an engine worked by steam, typically one in which a sliding piston in a cylinder is moved by the expansive action of the steam generated in a boiler. [1745 55] * * * Machine that uses steam power to perform mechanical work… …

    Universalium

  • 2Steam engine — Steam en gine ([e^]n j[i^]n). An engine moved by steam. [1913 Webster] Note: In its most common forms its essential parts are a piston, a cylinder, and a valve gear. The piston works in the cylinder, to which steam is admitted by the action of… …

    The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • 3steam engine — ► NOUN 1) an engine that uses the expansion or rapid condensation of steam to generate power. 2) a steam locomotive …

    English terms dictionary

  • 4steam engine — n. 1. an engine using steam under pressure to supply mechanical energy, usually through the action of a piston sliding in a cylinder 2. a locomotive powered by steam …

    English World dictionary

  • 5steam engine — steam ,engine noun count an engine that gets its power from steam, especially a train engine …

    Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • 6steam engine — 1751; earlier in the same sense was fire engine, atmospheric engine …

    Etymology dictionary

  • 7Steam engine — A steam engine is a heat engine that performs mechanical work using steam as its working fluid. [ [http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/564472/steam engine steam engine Britannica Online Encyclopedia ] ] Steam engines have a long history,… …

    Wikipedia

  • 8steam engine — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms steam engine : singular steam engine plural steam engines an engine that gets its power from steam, especially a railway engine …

    English dictionary

  • 9steam engine — garo variklis statusas T sritis fizika atitikmenys: angl. steam engine; steam power engine vok. Dampfkraftmaschine, f; Dampfmaschine, f rus. паровой двигатель, m pranc. moteur à vapeur, m …

    Fizikos terminų žodynas

  • 10steam engine — steam′ en gine n. mac an engine worked by steam, typically one in which a sliding piston in a cylinder is moved by the expansive action of the steam generated in a boiler • Etymology: 1745–55 …

    From formal English to slang