rotary engine
noun
1
: any of various engines (such as a turbine) in which power is applied to vanes or similar parts constrained to move in a circular path
2
: a radial engine in which the cylinders revolve about a stationary crankshaft
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The car shows roughly 127,000 miles on the odometer, but its little rotary engine recently went under the knife for fresh apex and coolant seals. 
Austin Irwin, Car and Driver, 10 Feb. 2022 For those who might be deterred by the MX-30’s lack of range, the Japanese automaker is looking to release a plug-in hybrid variant in 2022 that will have a rotary engine to keep the batteries topped up. Matt Crisara, Popular Mechanics, 11 Nov. 2021 There is also a series hybrid range extended version that will use a new version of the rotary engine to drive a generator without being connected to the wheels. Sam Abuelsamid, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2021 As these blades were spun by a 75-horsepower rotary engine, Sikorsky’s aircraft would lift straight up into the sky, with no need for long runways—or any runway at all. Alex Hollings, Popular Mechanics, 20 June 2021 And the wee Mazda, whose small, light rotary engine sits mostly behind the front wheels, delivers exactly the 50/50 weight distribution that's lauded for handling balance by vehicledynamics theoreticians. Larry Griffin, Car and Driver, 12 May 2020 Duntov built two midengine experimental 'Vettes with rotary engines, glad for Cole’s support despite not sharing his enthusiasm for the engine. Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 8 Feb. 2020 Duntov built two midengine experimental 'Vettes with rotary engines, glad for Cole’s support despite not sharing his enthusiasm for the engine. Mark Phelan, USA TODAY, 8 Feb. 2020 The 1973 Corvette 2-Rotor XP-987GT was a smaller, European-scale sports car with a rotary engine. Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 8 Feb. 2020 See More
Austin Irwin, Car and Driver, 10 Feb. 2022 For those who might be deterred by the MX-30’s lack of range, the Japanese automaker is looking to release a plug-in hybrid variant in 2022 that will have a rotary engine to keep the batteries topped up. Matt Crisara, Popular Mechanics, 11 Nov. 2021 There is also a series hybrid range extended version that will use a new version of the rotary engine to drive a generator without being connected to the wheels. Sam Abuelsamid, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2021 As these blades were spun by a 75-horsepower rotary engine, Sikorsky’s aircraft would lift straight up into the sky, with no need for long runways—or any runway at all. Alex Hollings, Popular Mechanics, 20 June 2021 And the wee Mazda, whose small, light rotary engine sits mostly behind the front wheels, delivers exactly the 50/50 weight distribution that's lauded for handling balance by vehicledynamics theoreticians. Larry Griffin, Car and Driver, 12 May 2020 Duntov built two midengine experimental 'Vettes with rotary engines, glad for Cole’s support despite not sharing his enthusiasm for the engine. Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 8 Feb. 2020 Duntov built two midengine experimental 'Vettes with rotary engines, glad for Cole’s support despite not sharing his enthusiasm for the engine. Mark Phelan, USA TODAY, 8 Feb. 2020 The 1973 Corvette 2-Rotor XP-987GT was a smaller, European-scale sports car with a rotary engine. Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 8 Feb. 2020 See More Word History
First Known Use
1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1