motor
motor Lexical Profile
motor Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A machine, especially one powered by electricity or internal combustion, that supplies motive power for a vehicle or for some other device with moving parts.
"The washing machine stopped working because the electric motor burned out."
British A motor vehicle, typically an automobile.
"He bought a brand new motor with his annual bonus."
• verb
To travel in a motor vehicle, typically for pleasure or recreation.
"We motored down the coastal highway enjoying the ocean breeze."
Word Nuance & Usage
While often used interchangeably in everyday language, strictly speaking, a motor converts electrical or pneumatic energy into mechanical energy, whereas an engine generates power through internal combustion.
• Rhymes for motor
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Late 16th century: from Latin, literally 'mover', from the verb 'movere'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.