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rocket engine
a reaction engine carrying its liquid fuel and liquid oxidizing agent in separate tanks: the fuel and oxidizer are brought together and ignited in a combustion chamber to create hot, explosive gas that escapes through a nozzle, providing a powerful thrust
See rocket engine in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
A reaction engine that contains all the substances necessary for its operation and is not dependent on substances such as atmospheric oxygen, drawn from the surrounding medium, and thus is capable of operating in outer space. Also called rocket motor.
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