an engine that uses the thermal energy of steam to produce mechanical work, esp one in which steam from a boiler is expanded in a cylinder to drive a reciprocating piston
the invention of the steam engine
2. railways
a steam locomotive
Everything was put in order for the arrival of the first hooting steam engine withits cowcatcher out front.
steam-engine in British English
noun
an engine that uses the thermal energy of steam to produce mechanical work, esp onein which steam from a boiler is expanded in a cylinder to drive a reciprocating piston
steam engine in American English
1.
an engine using steam under pressure to supply mechanical energy, usually through the action of a piston sliding in a cylinder
2.
a locomotive powered by steam
Examples of 'steam engine' in a sentence
steam engine
The solid sludge is siphoned off and burnt in a steam engine to produce enough electricity to process the next batch of waste.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
If that's not enough, you can book ahead to fire up and drive a steam engine for yourself.