diesel

die-sel · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A type of heavy petroleum-based fuel used in diesel engines.

  2. 2.

    A vehicle powered by a diesel engine.

  3. 3.

    (adjective) Relating to or powered by a diesel engine.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    diesel engine — an internal combustion engine that ignites fuel by compression
  • •
    diesel-electric — powered by electricity generated by a diesel engine

Related words

See also: engine, fuel, gasoline
Synonyms: diesel fuel, diesel oil

Etymology

Named after Rudolf Diesel (1858-1913), the German engineer who invented the diesel engine in the 1890s.