diesel
/'di:zəl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A type of internal combustion engine: An engine that operates by compressing air to a high temperature and then injecting fuel (diesel oil) which ignites spontaneously due to the heat of the compressed air.
- The fuel used in such engines: A heavy, oily fuel derived from petroleum, used in diesel engines. Also called diesel oil or diesel fuel.
- A vehicle powered by a diesel engine: Informally, a vehicle (e.g., a car or truck) that uses a diesel engine.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Engine):
- The truck is equipped with a powerful diesel.
- Modern diesels are much quieter and more efficient than older models.
- Noun (Fuel):
- The price of diesel has increased this week.
- Please fill the tank with diesel, not gasoline.
- Noun (Vehicle):
- He prefers driving a diesel for long journeys because of its fuel economy.
Advanced Usage
- "Diesel-electric": A hybrid drive system, typically used in locomotives and some large vehicles, where a diesel engine powers an electric generator which in turn drives electric motors.
- The train was powered by a diesel-electric engine.
- "Diesel particulate filter (DPF)": An emissions control device that removes soot from the exhaust gas of a diesel engine.
- The car's warning light indicated a problem with the diesel particulate filter.
Variants and Related Words
- Diesel engine (n): The full term for the engine type.
- The invention of the diesel engine revolutionized heavy transport.
- Diesel fuel / Diesel oil (n): The specific fuel for diesel engines.
- Diesel fuel is less volatile than gasoline.
- Diesel-powered (adj): Describing something that uses a diesel engine.
- A diesel-powered generator.
Synonyms
- Compression-ignition engine: A more technical term for a diesel engine.
- Heavy oil: A general term for the type of fuel, though not exclusive to diesel.
Related Phrases
- To run on diesel: To use diesel fuel as an energy source.
- Does this van run on diesel or petrol?
- Diesel exhaust: The gases emitted from a diesel engine.
- Regulations aim to reduce harmful diesel exhaust.
Related Idioms
- "A diesel of a..." (informal, rare): Used to emphasize something as being very strong, powerful, or reliable, akin to the perceived qualities of a diesel engine.
- That old tractor is a diesel of a machine; it never breaks down.
Noun
- an internal-combustion engine that burns heavy oil
- German engineer (born in France) who invented the diesel engine (1858-1913)