atomic engine n.

an engine powered by nuclear energy

Propulsion

  • 1914 H. G. Wells Last War in the World in Century Magazine Feb. iii. 571/1 page image H. G. Wells

    The swift aëroplane, with its atomic engine as noiseless as a dancing sunbeam.

  • 1927 A. J. Burks Invading Horde in Weird Tales Nov. 590/1 page image Arthur J. Burks bibliography

    The motive power is supplied by a small, compact, atomic engine.

  • 1935 J. W. Skidmore Epos of Posi & Nega in Amazing Stories 124/2 page image Joe W. Skidmore bibliography

    The crazy scientist is about to start his cursed atomic engine!

  • 1946 Atomic Engines inAstounding Science Fiction Nov. 5/2 (editorial) page image John W. Campbell, Jr. bibliography

    A ‘raw’ or unshielded atomic engine could be small, light, and inordinately powerful.

  • 1956 C. Fontenay Atom Drive in Worlds of If 60/2 page image Charles L. Fontenay bibliography

    The atomic engine produces electrical energy, which accelerates reaction mass.

  • 2001 L. Biggle, Jr. The King Who Wasn’t in Analog Science Fiction & Fact Sept. 15/1 Lloyd Biggle, Jr. bibliography

    His assortment of knives…made him look equipped for tasks of a highly technological nature such as the overhaul of an atomic engine.

Research requirements

antedating 1914
Earliest cite

H. G. Wells

Last modified 2024-01-12 22:17:44
In the compilation of some entries, HDSF has drawn extensively on corresponding entries in OED.