high-pressure engine

1 definition found

high-pressure engine - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  High-pressure \High"-pres`sure\ (?; 135), a.
     1. Having or involving a pressure greatly exceeding that of
        the atmosphere; -- said of steam, air, water, etc., and of
        steam, air, or hydraulic engines, water wheels, etc.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. Fig.: Urgent; intense; as, a high-pressure business or
        social life.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. Using intense psychological pressure or other incentives
        to convince others to do things; aggressively persistent;
        as, high-pressure salesmen; high-pressure tactics.
        [PJC]
  
     High-pressure engine, an engine in which steam at high
        pressure is used. It may be either a condensing or a
        noncondensing engine. Formerly the term was used only of
        the latter. See Steam engine.
        [1913 Webster]