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diesel

diesel

33 3.4
An engine that squeezes and heats air so fuel burns without a spark
  • noun
  • /ˈdiːzəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : motor diésel
  • There are two types of diesel engines used to power large ships: main propulsion and auxiliary.
  • a diesel engine
  • a diesel generator
  • marine diesel

Examples

  • Four searchlights were set up around the field, run by a diesel generator.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • In Switzerland, trains are electrically powered, whereas trucks and cars are usually powered by diesel engines.

    Academic text (2012)
  • Oh, I just made a great deal on a diesel generator.

  • I got a technician in the diesel engine room.

  • With your new rail, I can triple my load capacity but I need more diesel engines.

  • I think some of the old generators still work on diesel.

  • Propelling the truck is a 5-cylinder diesel engine, which generates 62 kilowatts of power.

    Academic text (1993)
  • They're climbing aboard their rigs now, and the pumper's diesel is coughing to life.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • Up ahead, the tug pulls steadily, grey-black clouds of diesel smoke rising from its massive turbine vents.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • The old ship had been refitted with a diesel engine that improved its overall performance.

Synonyms

internal-combustion engine
vsdiesel
  • Specialized
11 4.5

A machine that burns fuel inside to make power to move a car or plane

is a narrower type that ignites fuel by heat of compression
diesel engine
vsdiesel
  • Specialized
6 2.8

An engine that burns diesel fuel to make power

specifies ignition by heat of compression rather than by a spark
diesel motor
vsdiesel
  • Specialized
1 3.5

An engine that runs on diesel fuel, used in trucks and ships

specifies ignition by heat of compression rather than by a spark

Compounds

diesel fuel
  • Specialized
14 2.8

A heavy oil used to power engines in vehicles and machines

diesel engine
  • Specialized
6 2.8

An engine that burns diesel fuel to make power

diesel oil
  • Specialized
1 2.8

A heavy oil used as fuel in diesel engines

diesel locomotive
  • Specialized
1 4.1

A railway engine that runs on diesel fuel rather than steam or electricity

diesel motor
  • Specialized
1 3.5

An engine that runs on diesel fuel, used in trucks and ships

diesel-electric
  • Specialized
1 5.5

A train engine that uses electric motors powered by a diesel engine

5.1

A train engine that uses a diesel engine to make electricity that runs its electric motors

diesel-hydraulic
  • Specialized
7.7

A train engine that uses a diesel engine and a hydraulic system to send power to the wheels

7.7

A train engine that uses a diesel motor and fluid pressure to drive the wheels

diesel hammer
  • Specialized
6.5

A heavy machine that uses diesel to drive long metal posts deep into the ground for foundations

diesel pile hammer
  • Specialized
8.3

A heavy construction machine that uses a diesel engine to drive piles into the ground

5.5

An engine that sends diesel fuel straight into the part where it burns to use less fuel

A diesel engine that injects fuel directly into the chamber where it burns

Surface Forms

diesel singular
diesels plural

Etymology

The word diesel comes from the name of Rudolf Diesel, the man who invented a new kind of engine that uses heat, not a spark, to burn fuel. So a diesel engine is named after him.