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steam engine

/ˌstim ˈɛndʒən/
/stim ˈɛndʒɪn/
IPA guide

Other forms: steam engines

Definitions of steam engine
  1. noun
    external-combustion engine in which heat is used to raise steam which either turns a turbine or forces a piston to move up and down in a cylinder
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    type of:
    external-combustion engine
    a heat engine in which ignition occurs outside the chamber (cylinder or turbine) in which heat is converted to mechanical energy
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