diesel engine
noun
a compression-ignition engine in which a spray of fuel, introduced into air compressed to a temperature of approximately 1000° F (538° C), ignites at a virtually constant pressure.
Also called
diesel.
Origin of diesel engine
First recorded in 1890–95
Words nearby diesel engine
dies committee,
dies irae,
dies non,
diesel,
diesel cycle,
diesel engine,
diesel fuel,
diesel oil,
diesel-electric,
diesel-hydraulic,
dieseling
British Dictionary definitions for diesel engine
diesel engine
diesel motor
noun
a type of internal-combustion engine in which atomized fuel oil is sprayed into the cylinder and ignited by compression alone
Scientific definitions for diesel engine
diesel engine
[ dē′zəl ]
An internal-combustion engine in which the fuel oil is ignited by the heat of air that has been highly compressed in the cylinder, rather than by a spark. Due to the need for the engine to withstand very high pressures, diesel engines are relatively heavy; however, they are relatively fuel-efficient, especially when running at low power.