steam engine

noun

Updated on: 18 Apr 2018

Definition of steam engine

: an engine driven or worked by steam; specifically : a reciprocating engine having a piston driven in a closed cylinder by steam

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Recent Examples of steam engine from the Web

That really depended on the rise of thermodynamics in the 19th century and the need to get as much power as possible from water turbines and from steam engines.

— angela chen, The Verge, "Edward Tenner explains the efficiency paradox," 12 Apr. 2018
Staff of the French railway enjoy extraordinary privilege, dating from the days when shovelling coal into steam engines was punishing work.

— The Economist, "Railway strikes test Macron’s reforms," 7 Apr. 2018
These glass tools enabled the development of modern chemistry and medicine, as well as advances such as the steam engine and internal combustion engine.

— doug main, The Atlantic, "Humankind’s Most Important Material," 7 Apr. 2018
Weather permitting, the historic 1907 Baldwin steam engine will be put back into service Saturday and Sunday at Old Poway Park.

— steve dreyer, Pomerado News, "Steam engine ready for Saturday return to Old Poway Park," 13 Mar. 2018
Josmar Taveras From printing press and steam engine to cars, phones and computers, countless inventions transformed human life and our economy.

— ken fisher, USA TODAY, "How your 401(k) stocks harness the power of invention," 11 Mar. 2018
Some sources reported dirigibles powered by steam engines.

— greg eghigian, Smithsonian, "How UFO Reports Change With the Technology of the Times," 2 Feb. 2018
When a commuter train passes, let the magic of holography superimpose an image of a steam engine and passengers looking for a better life.

— ron grossman, chicagotribune.com, "Please, Mr. Obama, skip the test kitchen, make it a museum," 8 Jan. 2018
His realization gave birth to modern physics and chemistry, which transformed the world through industrial applications, from steam engines to steel, anesthetics and electric light.

— mike jay, WSJ, "Adventures in the Atmosphere," 21 July 2017

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

First Known Use of steam engine

1751

in the meaning defined above

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STEAM ENGINE Defined for Kids

steam engine

noun

Definition of steam engine for Students

: an engine powered by steam

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Spanish Central: Translation of steam engine Nglish: Translation of steam engine for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about steam engine

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steam engine

Definition of steam engine

Recent Examples of steam engine from the Web

First Known Use of steam engine

STEAM ENGINE Defined for Kids

steam engine

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steam engine

Definition of steam engine

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