diesel
diesel Lexical Profile
diesel Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A heavy petroleum fraction used as fuel in compression-ignition engines.
"The transport company switched to biodiesel to reduce the environmental impact of their fleet."
An internal combustion engine in which heat produced by the compression of air in the cylinder is used to ignite the fuel.
"The mechanic specializes in repairing diesels for commercial agricultural equipment."
A vehicle, especially a train locomotive or truck, powered by a diesel engine.
"The old steam locomotives were eventually replaced by faster, more efficient diesels on the main freight lines."
• verb
To continue running after the ignition has been turned off due to spontaneous combustion of fuel (specifically regarding a gasoline engine).
"The old carburetor needed adjustment because the car sputtered and dieseled for several seconds after she removed the key."
To supply or fill a vehicle or engine with diesel fuel.
"The crew stopped to diesel the transport trucks before beginning the long haul across the mountains."
• Rhymes for diesel
Word Origin & Etymology
Named after the German mechanical engineer Rudolf Diesel, who invented the compression-ignition internal combustion engine in 1892.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.