Æ-ōl'i-pile, n.

noun

n. [Æolus and pile, a ball.] A globe of metal partly filled with water, and having a very small tubular orifice from which a current of steam issues on the application of heat. Sometimes it is made with two orifices turned in opposite directions, so that the tube which they terminate, or the globe itself, is caused to revolve on an axis by the re-action of the steam on the atmosphere. It was invented by Hero of Alexandria, and is chiefly interesting as the first recorded instrument for showing the power of steam.

A long rectangular mechanical device with parallel grooves across its top and a row of narrow upright teeth or slots along its front.