internal-combustion engine

noun

an engine of one or more working cylinders in which the process of combustion takes place within the cylinders.

Origin of internal-combustion engine

First recorded in 1880–85

Words nearby internal-combustion engine

internal thoracic vein, internal traction, internal urethral opening, internal version, internal-combustion, internal-combustion engine, internalize, internasal suture, internat., international, international association of lions clubs

Example sentences from the Web for internal-combustion engine

  • They export to some of these internal-combustion-engine sectors, like Europo-American.

    Temple Trouble |Henry Beam Piper

British Dictionary definitions for internal-combustion engine

internal-combustion engine

noun

a heat engine in which heat is supplied by burning the fuel in the working fluid (usually air)

Scientific definitions for internal-combustion engine

internal-combustion engine
[ ĭn-tûr′nəl-kəm-bŭs′chən ]

An engine whose fuel is burned inside the engine itself rather than in an outside furnace or burner. Gasoline and diesel engines are internal-combustion engines, as are gas turbine engines such as turbojets. Compare steam engine.

Cultural definitions for internal-combustion engine

internal-combustion engine

Any engine powered by burning fuel inside it (for example, a standard automobile engine). Internal-combustion engines normally burn fossil fuels and therefore are a major source of air pollution. (See smog.)