diesel-electric

adjective

die·​sel-elec·​tric ˈdē-zəl- i-ˈlek-trik How to pronounce diesel-electric (audio)
-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

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'diesel-electric.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of diesel-electric was in 1914

Dictionary Entries Near diesel-electric

Cite this Entry

“Diesel-electric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diesel-electric. Accessed 21 Mar. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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