steam engine

noun

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.

Origin of steam engine

First recorded in 1745–55

OTHER WORDS FROM steam engine

steam-en·gine, adjective

Words nearby steam engine

steam bath, steam beer, steam boiler, steam chest, steam coal, steam engine, steam fitter, steam fog, steam hammer, steam heat, steam heating

Example sentences from the Web for steam-engine

British Dictionary definitions for steam-engine

steam-engine

noun

an engine that uses the thermal energy of steam to produce mechanical work, esp one in which steam from a boiler is expanded in a cylinder to drive a reciprocating piston

Scientific definitions for steam-engine

steam engine

An engine in which the energy of hot steam is converted into mechanical power, especially an engine in which the force of expanding steam is used to drive one or more pistons. The source of the steam is typically external to the part of the machine that converts the steam energy into mechanical energy. Compare internal-combustion engine.