Motor: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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