diesel-electric

adjective

die·​sel-elec·​tric ˈdē-zəl- i-ˈlek-trik 

-səl-,

-ē-ˈlek-

: of, relating to, or employing a diesel engine for driving an electric generator or for charging batteries

a diesel-electric locomotive

diesel-electric submarines

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

The series is configured with diesel-electric hybrid propulsion, though the engine-room space is large enough to adapt as alternative fuels evolve. —Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 17 Mar. 2023

The Royal Australian Navy’s six current Collins-class submarines, built between 1990 and 2003, use traditional diesel-electric propulsion that requires them to periodically go to periscope depth to use their snorkels. —Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 14 Mar. 2023

Australia is seeking to become the seventh country with nuclear subs, which have greater range and can stay submerged longer than diesel-electric boats. —Nate Jones, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Mar. 2023

To start, the yacht will be fitted with a hybrid diesel-electric system. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 2 Mar. 2023

On the performance side, Coba is designed to have diesel-electric hybrid propulsion, equipped with azimuth pods for easy maneuverability and noise insulation. —Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 17 Feb. 2023

There is funding to build an electric ferry and for design planning to build another diesel-electric hybrid ship — likely replacing the 60-year-old Matanuska, which is in dry dock and may not sail again. —Sean Maguire, Anchorage Daily News, 16 Feb. 2023

See More

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above