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motor

Pronunciation: /ˈməʊtə/

The English word “motor” has 12 meanings listed here.

noun

  1. A machine or device that converts other energy forms into mechanical energy, or imparts motion.
  2. A motor car, or automobile, sometimes extended to other powered vehicles, such as goods vehicles.
  3. A source of power for something; an inspiration; a driving force.
  4. Any protein capable of converting chemical energy into mechanical work.
  5. The controller or prime mover of the universe; God.
  6. The fermenting mass of fruit that is the basis of pruno, or "prison wine".

adjective

  1. Relating to the ability to move.
  2. Propelled by an internal combustion engine (as opposed to a steam engine or turbine).

verb

  1. To make a journey by motor vehicle; to drive.
  2. To rotate a jet engine or turboprop using the engine's starter, without introducing fuel into the engine.
  3. To progress at a brisk pace.
  4. To leave.

Etymology

From Middle English motour (“controller, prime mover; God”), from Latin mōtor (“mover; that which moves something”), from mōtō (“to set in motion”).

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Definitions are from Wiktionary, extracted by Kaikki.org, and are available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.