diesel

[ˈdiː.zəl]
nounmasculinepl: diesels
diesel
1. A type of fuel oil used in diesel engines, heavier and less volatile than gasoline
The truck runs on diesel fuel.
O caminhão funciona com combustível diesel.
2. An internal combustion engine that ignites fuel by compression rather than spark plugs
This car has a diesel engine.
Este carro tem um motor diesel.
3. A vehicle powered by a diesel engine
I prefer driving a diesel because of its fuel efficiency.
Prefiro dirigir um diesel por causa da sua eficiência de combustível.
In Brazil, diesel is predominantly used in commercial vehicles, public transportation (buses and trucks), and industrial equipment. European cars often feature diesel engines for better fuel economy, while in the USA, diesel is primarily associated with heavy-duty trucks and commercial applications. The term 'diesel' has become nearly universal in Portuguese, though 'gasóleo' remains the traditional European Portuguese term.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
diesel fueldiesel oilgasoil
Antonyms / Antônimos
gasolinepetrol

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
diesel
Common term used for both the fuel and engine type
São Paulo
diesel
Standard usage; widely used in commercial and public transportation
Portugal
gasóleo
Portuguese European term for diesel fuel; 'diesel' also accepted in modern usage
USA
diesel
More common in trucks and commercial vehicles; less prevalent in passenger cars

Related Words

fuelenginecombustionvehiclegasolineemission

Related Idioms & Phrases

run like a diesel
diesel power
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