Engine: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe the machine that converts energy into mechanical force or motion in vehicles, aircraft, and other machinery.

• The car's engine is making a strange noise
• He studied mechanical engineering to design better engines

Generally used for smaller or electric machines that provide mechanical power.

• The toy car's motor is not working
• She replaced the motor in her washing machine

Used to describe a large industrial facility where electricity is generated, typically through converting various forms of energy.

• The city is building a new power plant to meet the electricity demand
• Working at a nuclear power plant requires special training

Refers to any part of a machine or system that has a specific function, often describing the internal working parts.

• The clock's winding mechanism is very intricate
• Understanding the mechanism behind this process is crucial

Used primarily in mechanical or automotive contexts to describe machinery that converts energy into mechanical work. Can also refer to a driving force behind something.

• The car's engine is overheating
• The new software is a powerful engine for data processing

Often used when referring to a specific application or software feature designed to find information, usually in the context of computer and internet use.

• Google is the most popular search tool on the internet
• The website includes a built-in search tool that helps users find the products they are looking for

Typically used in academic or technical contexts to describe a system designed to collect and bring back required information, such as databases or search engines.

• The library's information retrieval system helps researchers find relevant journal articles
• The new information retrieval system reduced the time needed to find crucial data

Identify redundancy. This definition would be the same as the first 'engine'.

This word is suitable for mentioning the act of working or controlling machinery or equipment. It is also used in medical contexts to refer to performing surgery.

• He knows how to operate the machine
• The doctor will operate on the patient tomorrow

This word is best used when discussing the ability to direct or influence the behavior of machines, systems, or even people. It often implies a sense of power or regulation.

• You can control the temperature with this thermostat
• She struggled to control her emotions during the meeting

This term is commonly used when referring to operating a vehicle or motivating someone to take action. It can be both a literal and figurative term.

• He learned to drive when he was sixteen
• Her passion to help others is what drives her every day