Stirling engine

noun Stir·ling engine \ˈstər-liŋ-\

Definition of STIRLING ENGINE

: an external combustion engine having an enclosed working fluid (as helium) that is alternately compressed and expanded to operate a piston

Robert Stirling †1878 Scottish engineer

First Known Use: 1896

Next Word in the Dictionary: Stirling's formulaPrevious Word in the Dictionary: Stirling cycleAll Words Near: Stirling engine

What made you want to look up Stirling engine? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears