heat engine

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Definitions from WordNet

Noun heat engine has 1 sense

heat engine - any engine that makes use of heat to do work
--₁ is a kind of engine
--₁ has particulars: external-combustion engine; internal-combustion engine, ICE

Definitions from the Web

Heat Engine

A heat engine is a device that converts heat energy into mechanical energy.

Sample sentences:

The steam engine, a type of heat engine, revolutionized industry during the industrial revolution.
An internal combustion engine is another example of a heat engine found in most automobiles.
Heat engines play a crucial role in the generation of electricity in power plants.

Senses and Usages:

1. Definition: Device converting heat energy to mechanical energy

A heat engine is a machine that consumes heat from a higher temperature source and converts it into mechanical work.

2. Local Usage: Community heating system

In some neighborhoods, a heat engine is used to collectively heat multiple buildings from a central source.