Horsepower: meaning, definitions and examples
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horsepower
[ ˈhɔːrsˌpaʊər ]
mechanical power
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, which is commonly used to measure the power of engines and motors. One horsepower is equivalent to approximately 746 watts. The term was originally coined by James Watt in the late 18th century to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses. Horsepower provides an idea of how much work an engine can perform over time, making it a crucial metric in automotive and mechanical fields.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The new car has a horsepower of 300.
- This lawnmower has a 5-horsepower engine.
- The motorcycle is known for its impressive horsepower.
Translations
Translations of the word "horsepower" in other languages:
🇵🇹 cavalos de potência
🇮🇳 घोड़ा शक्ति
🇩🇪 Pferdestärke
🇮🇩 tenaga kuda
🇺🇦 кінська сила
🇵🇱 moc koni
🇯🇵 馬力
🇫🇷 cheval-vapeur
🇪🇸 caballo de fuerza
🇹🇷 beygir gücü
🇰🇷 마력
🇸🇦 قوة الحصان
🇨🇿 koňská síla
🇸🇰 koní sila
🇨🇳 马力
🇸🇮 konjska moč
🇮🇸 hestöfl
🇰🇿 жылқы күші
🇬🇪 ცხენი ძალა
🇦🇿 at gücü
🇲🇽 caballo de fuerza
Etymology
The term 'horsepower' was first used by the Scottish inventor James Watt in the late 18th century as he sought to market his steam engines. Watt wanted to convey the power of his engines in a relatable way to potential customers, especially in comparison to the traditional power sources of the time, such as horses. He conducted experiments to determine how much work a horse could perform, estimating that one horse could turn a mill wheel of a specific size at a certain speed. From this, he calculated the value of one horsepower as a precise measure of power equivalent to the output of a horse. As machinery evolved, especially during the Industrial Revolution, horsepower became a standard measure for various types of engines, including automobiles. Today, it remains a popular and enduring term in the automotive industry and is used globally, despite the adoption of the metric system and the use of watts as the dominant unit of power in many regions.