Definition of engine
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: a machine for converting any of various forms of energy into mechanical force and motion
also
: a mechanism or object that serves as an energy source
black holes may be the engines for quasars
2
: a railroad locomotive
3a
: something used to effect a purpose : agent, instrument
mournful and terrible engine of horror and of crime— E. A. Poe
b
: something that produces a particular and usually desirable result
engines of economic growth
4a
: machinery
b
: any of various mechanical appliances
—often used in combination fire engine
c
: a mechanical tool: such as
(1)
: an instrument or machine of war
(2)
obsolete
: a torture implement
5
: computer software that performs a fundamental function especially of a larger program
engine
verb
engined; engining
Definition of engine (Entry 2 of 2)
: to equip with engines
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for engine
The first known use of engine was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century