(In an engine) combustion of the fuel outside the chamber where the force is developed and motion produced (as in a steam engine or a turbine); usually attributive.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in R. Phillips (d. 1819).
Definition of external combustion in US English:
external combustion
noun
Engineering
(In an engine) combustion of the fuel outside the chamber where the force is developed and motion produced (as in a steam engine or a turbine); usually attributive.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in R. Phillips (d. 1819).