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internal combustion engine
noun
: a heat engine in which the combustion that generates the heat takes place inside the engine proper instead of in a furnace
Examples of internal combustion engine in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
European sales of internal combustion engine vehicles and electric ones too are stagnating.
—Neil Winton, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024
More than half of the value of internal combustion engine vehicles comes from supplier components.
—Justin Worland / Detroit, TIME, 11 Sep. 2024
Earlier this year, company chairman Lawrence Stroll announced that Aston Martin was backtracking on a previous pledge to phase out internal combustion engine powertrains.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2024
Normal mode gives the driver a modicum more pep with the tradeoff of having to move your foot to the brake pedal to slow down, aping the feel of an internal combustion engine.
—Eric Bangeman, Ars Technica, 16 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for internal combustion engine
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'internal combustion engine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1884, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of internal combustion engine was
in 1884
Dictionary Entries Near internal combustion engine
Cite this Entry
“Internal combustion engine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/internal%20combustion%20engine. Accessed 18 Sep. 2024.
Kids Definition
internal combustion engine
noun
: an engine in which the fuel is ignited within the engine cylinder instead of in an external furnace
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