Wankel engine
Noun: A Wankel engine is a type of internal combustion engine that uses a rotary design instead of reciprocating pistons. It converts pressure into rotating motion using a triangular rotor that orbits within a roughly oval-shaped housing, completing the four stages of the intake, compression, power, and exhaust cycles.
The term "Wankel engine" is used to specify this particular rotary engine design, named after its inventor, Felix Wankel. It is a technical term used in automotive and mechanical engineering contexts. * The Wankel engine is known for its compact size and high power-to-weight ratio. * Some classic Mazda sports cars were famous for using a Wankel engine.
- The term is often used in comparisons with traditional piston engines, highlighting its unique mechanical operation and different performance characteristics, such as smoother operation and higher revolutions per minute (RPM).
- Rotary engine: This is a broader category of engines that use a rotary motion. The Wankel engine is the most common and successful type of rotary engine for automobiles.
- Piston engine: The conventional type of internal combustion engine that uses reciprocating pistons, which is the direct counterpart to a Wankel engine.
- Rotary engine (specific type)
The term "Wankel engine" has only one specific meaning, referring to the patented rotary internal combustion engine design. It is not used idiomatically or in other contexts.
- a rotary engine that is a four-stroke internal-combustion engine without reciprocating parts