eolipile
/iˈɑlɪpaɪl/
noun
- A simple device consisting of a hollow sphere or container that spins when heated, used to demonstrate the power of steam; an early form of steam engine.
- In science class, we built a small eolipile to show how steam can create motion.
- The ancient Greek inventor Hero designed the eolipile as a toy that spun using steam.
- The eolipile is considered one of the first devices to convert heat into rotary motion.