motor

¹mo·tor

noun \ˈmō-tər\

Definition of MOTOR

1

: one that imparts motion; specifically : prime mover

2

: any of various power units that develop energy or impart motion: as a : a small compact engine b : internal combustion engine; especially : a gasoline engine c : a rotating machine that transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy

3

: motor vehicle; especially : automobile

— mo·tor·dom \-dəm\ noun

— mo·tor·less \-ləs\ adjective

Examples of MOTOR

1. <the device was equipped with a small electrical motor to make the gears spin>
2. <went shopping for a new automobile at Valley Motors>

Origin of MOTOR

Latin, from movēre to move

First Known Use: 1586

Related to MOTOR

Synonyms: machine, engine

Related Words: converter, transformer; appliance, mechanism; equipment, tool; mill

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Mechanical Engineering Terms

centrifuge, differential, flange, lathe, linchpin, pinion, plenum, ratchet, traction

Rhymes with MOTOR

bloater, boater, coater, doter, floater, gloater, noter, oater, quoter, rotor, scoter, toter, voter