Definition of "diesel" in English

noun

1. A fuel derived from petroleum (or other oils) but heavier than gasoline/petrol. Used to power diesel engines which burn this fuel using the heat produced when air is compressed.

2. (countable) A vehicle powered by a diesel engine.

   • His next truck will be a diesel.

3. Ellipsis of diesel engine.

   • Their next engine design will be a diesel.
   • Thumbed a diesel down, outside a cafe.

4. (cycling, slang) A rider who has an even energy output, without bursts of speed.

5. (UK, slang) Synonym of snakebite and black.

6. (slang) A particular cannabis hybrid.

verb

1. To ignite a substance by using the heat generated by compression.

2. (automotive) For a spark-ignition internal combustion engine to continue running after the electrical current to the spark plugs has been turned off. This occurs when there's enough heat in the combustion chamber to ignite the air and fuel mixture without a spark, the same way that heat and pressure cause ignition in a diesel engine.

   • The only reason the VW bug has a solenoid is to prevent it from dieseling.