English Lexicon

Diesel

/ˈdiː.zəl/
nounadjectiveCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #2850 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    An internal combustion engine in which heat ignited by the compression of air is used to raise the temperature of the fuel to the point of ignition, used especially as a heavy-duty power source.

    "Modern trucks are almost exclusively powered by diesel engines for better fuel efficiency."
  2. 2

    A refined petroleum oil used as fuel in diesel engines.

    "The price of diesel at the pump rose significantly over the weekend."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the surname of Rudolf Diesel, the German mechanical engineer who invented the internal combustion compression-ignition engine in the late 19th century (patented in 1892). Over time, the eponym transitioned into a common noun referring to both the engine design and the fuel it consumes.

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