Wankel rotary engine
Noun: A type of internal combustion engine that uses a triangular rotor, which rotates in an epitrochoidal (oval-shaped) chamber, to complete the four-stroke cycle (intake, compression, power, exhaust) instead of using traditional pistons and cylinders. It is known for its compact size, smooth operation, and high power-to-weight ratio.
The term "Wankel rotary engine" is used to specify this particular engine design, named after its German inventor, Felix Wankel. It is typically used in technical, automotive, and engineering contexts. - The Mazda RX-7 sports car was famous for its Wankel rotary engine. - Compared to a piston engine, a Wankel rotary engine has fewer moving parts.
- Often shortened informally to rotary engine in automotive enthusiast circles, though technically "rotary engine" can refer to other types. The full name "Wankel rotary engine" is used for precision.
- The engine's design is sometimes described by its core mechanical action: eccentric rotary design.
- Rotary engine (n): A broader term for any engine that converts pressure into rotating motion. The Wankel engine is a specific type of rotary engine.
- Wankel engine (n): A common shortened form of "Wankel rotary engine."
- Rotor (n): The triangular rotating component inside the Wankel engine that performs the functions of a piston.
- Epitrochoidal chamber (n): The specific oval-shaped housing in which the rotor spins.
- Rotary combustion engine: A more technical synonym emphasizing the combustion process.
- Eccentric-rotor engine: A descriptive synonym focusing on the rotor's off-center motion.
There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs using "Wankel rotary engine." It is a technical compound noun.
- a rotary engine that is a four-stroke internal-combustion engine without reciprocating parts