Steam Engine

Definition

A steam engine is a heat engine that performs mechanical work using steam as its working fluid. It was a key invention during the Industrial Revolution that changed transportation, manufacturing, and mining.

Related terms

Internal Combustion Engine: An engine that generates motive power by the burning of gasoline, oil, or other fuel with air inside the engine, the hot gases produced being used to drive a piston rather than escaping through an exhaust.

Locomotive: A powered rail vehicle used for pulling trains. It's like a big brother of the steam engine specifically designed for railway transport.

Industrial Revolution: The transition from manual labor and hand production methods to machines, new chemical manufacturing and iron production processes which took place in 18th-19th century.