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Motor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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motor

[ˈməʊtər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

vehicle

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.

Synonyms

engine, motor engine, powerplant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
motor

Commonly used for devices that convert electrical energy into mechanical motion, often in smaller machines like appliances and electric vehicles.

  • The electric car's motor is very quiet
  • The blender's motor overheated after extended use
engine

Typically refers to internal combustion engines found in larger vehicles like cars, trucks, and airplanes; often associated with vehicles primarily running on fuel.

  • The car's engine needs an oil change
  • The airplane's engine roared as it took off
powerplant

Generally refers to the entire system that generates power, either in an industrial setting or as part of large mechanical systems like aircraft engines. It can also mean a facility where electricity is generated.

  • The ship's powerplant was inspected for safety
  • The nuclear powerplant provides electricity to the entire region
motor engine

Not commonly used; may be a redundant term combining 'motor' and 'engine' and can confuse the meaning.

  • Since 'motor engine' is not commonly used, it is better to use 'motor' or 'engine' depending on the context

Examples of usage

  • The car's motor was making a strange noise.
  • She's learning how to repair motors in her automotive class.
Context #2 | Noun

muscle movement

A source of power, energy, or motive force.

Synonyms

ability, capability, skill.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
motor

used in a biological sense to describe activities or functions related to muscles and movement; often in medical or physiological contexts

  • The child is developing fine motor skills
  • Motor neurons control voluntary movements
ability

refers to the quality of being able to do something; general competence or talent

  • She has an amazing ability to play the piano
  • His ability to solve complex problems is impressive
skill

shows a learned and practiced ability to accomplish something well, often used to describe learned activities

  • Playing the guitar requires a lot of skill
  • Her cooking skills are extraordinary
capability

often describes the potential or capacity to perform a task or function, frequently used in a technical or formal context

  • The new software has the capability to process large amounts of data
  • Soldiers are trained to improve their combat capabilities

Examples of usage

  • He has the motor skills needed for this job.
  • Physical therapy helped improve her motor function.
Context #3 | Verb

move quickly

To move quickly or to travel in a vehicle.

Synonyms

drive, speed, travel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
motor

Typically used in a technical or mechanical context, referring to an engine or any device that produces motion.

  • The car's motor needs repair
  • The washing machine's motor is very efficient
drive

Commonly used to describe operating a vehicle, or metaphorically to signify motivation or effort.

  • She likes to drive fast cars
  • His drive to succeed is remarkable
travel

Describes the act of going from one place to another, usually over long distances, and often for leisure or work.

  • They plan to travel to Europe next summer
  • He loves to travel and explore new cultures
speed

Refers to the rate at which something moves or operates, often used for vehicles, actions, or overall movement efficiency.

  • The speed of the train is impressive
  • You need to increase your typing speed

Examples of usage

  • The boat motored across the lake.
  • They motored down the highway towards the city.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • Electric motors are used widely in household appliances, from blenders to vacuum cleaners.
  • Internal combustion engines, a type of motor, power most cars and operate by burning fuel.
  • Motors can be found in robotics, drones, and even in small toys, showcasing their versatility.

Psychology

  • The term 'motor skills' refers to the abilities required to control body movements, highlighting the connection between motor functions and coordination.
  • Smooth motor skills involve precise movements, while gross motor skills encompass larger actions like running or jumping.
  • Understanding how the brain controls motor functions helps in rehabilitation for those with movement impairments.

History

  • The development of the steam engine in the 18th century marked a significant advance in motor technology, revolutionizing transportation.
  • Electric motors were popularized in the late 19th century and played a crucial role in the industrial revolution.
  • Henry Ford's implementation of the assembly line motorized production, drastically changing manufacturing processes.

Pop Culture

  • Cars, often powered by motors, are central to many films and shows, symbolizing freedom and adventure.
  • In video games, motors are depicted in racing games where speed and skill are central themes.
  • Cartoons often personify motors as characters that are lively and energetic, adding fun to machinery.

Origin of 'motor'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'motor', meaning 'mover'.
  • It was first used in English in the late 19th century to refer to machines generating motion.
  • The term has evolved to represent various types of engines and machines that help things move.

The word 'motor' originated in the late 16th century from the Latin word 'motor', meaning 'mover'. It was first used in the context of machines in the 19th century, particularly with the invention of the internal combustion engine. The term has since evolved to encompass various meanings related to power, movement, and energy.

See also: motorbike, motorcoach, motorcycle, motorcycling, motorhome, motorist, motorists, motorized, motorway.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,382, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.