rotary engine

/ˌroʊdəri ˌɛndʒən/

Other forms: rotary engines

Definitions of rotary engine

1. noun

   an internal-combustion engine in which power is transmitted directly to rotating components
   types:

   turbine

   rotary engine in which the kinetic energy of a moving fluid is converted into mechanical energy by causing a bladed rotor to rotate

   Wankel engine, Wankel rotary engine, epitrochoidal engine

   a rotary engine that is a four-stroke internal-combustion engine without reciprocating parts

   gas turbine

   turbine that converts the chemical energy of a liquid fuel into mechanical energy by internal combustion; gaseous products of the fuel (which is burned in compressed air) are expanded through a turbine

   hydroelectric turbine

   turbine consisting of a large and efficient version of a water wheel used to drive an electric generator

   impulse turbine

   a turbine that is driven by jets direct against the blades

   reaction turbine

   a turbine with blades arranged to develop torque from gradual decrease of steam pressure from inlet to exhaust

   steam turbine

   turbine in which steam strikes blades and makes them turn

   wind turbine

   a turbine that is driven by the wind

   type of:

   ICE, internal-combustion engine

   a heat engine in which combustion occurs inside the engine rather than in a separate furnace; heat expands a gas that either moves a piston or turns a gas turbine
2. noun

   an internal-combustion engine having cylinders arranged radially around a central crankcase
   synonyms: radial engine

   type of:

   ICE, internal-combustion engine

   a heat engine in which combustion occurs inside the engine rather than in a separate furnace; heat expands a gas that either moves a piston or turns a gas turbine