power stroke


power stroke

[′pau̇·ər ‚strōk] (mechanical engineering) The stroke in an engine during which pressure is applied to the piston by expanding steam or gases.

power stroke

The stroke in the operating cycle of a reciprocating engine in which both the inlet and the exhaust valves are closed, the fuel-air mixture has been ignited and burned, and the piston is being forced downward by expanding gases. See four-stroke cycle.