internal-combustion engine

noun
1.
an engine of one or more working cylinders in which the process of combustion takes place within the cylinders.
Origin
1880-85
British Dictionary definitions for internal-combustion engines

internal-combustion engine

noun
1.
a heat engine in which heat is supplied by burning the fuel in the working fluid (usually air)
internal-combustion engines in Science
internal-combustion engine
  (ĭn-tûr'nəl-kəm-bŭs'chən)   

An engine whose fuel is burned inside the engine itself rather than in an outside furnace or burner. Gasoline and diesel engines are internal-combustion engines, as are gas turbine engines such as turbojets. Compare steam engine.
internal-combustion engines in Culture

internal-combustion engine definition


Any engine powered by burning fuel inside it (for example, a standard automobile engine). Internal-combustion engines normally burn fossil fuels and therefore are a major source of air pollution. (See smog.)