SINCE 1828

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motive power

noun

Definition of motive power

1 : an agency (such as water or steam) used to impart motion especially to machinery
2 : something (such as a locomotive or a motor) that provides motive power to a system

First Known Use of motive power

1702

Learn More about motive power

See words that rhyme with motive power Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about motive power

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