motor
/ˈməʊtə
/noun
1A machine, especially one powered by electricity or internal combustion, that supplies motive power for a vehicle or for another device with moving parts: these electric motors are highly reliable the sander has a smooth and powerful 520 watt motor...
- The steam engine had symbolized the First Industrial Revolution and the electric motor and internal combustion engine the Second.
- Electricity powers the electric motor, which in turn propels the vehicle.
- Instead of an engine, a stack of fuel cells and an electric motor will supply power - but you won't even see them.
1.1A source of power, energy, or motive force: hormones are the motor of the sexual functions...
- For example, the force generation by molecular motors has been studied as well as the mechanical properties of biopolymers.
- Molecular motors generate force and motion by continually binding and breaking down energy-releasing molecules at a rate of about 100 molecules per second.
- Atomic force microscopy and optical traps are used to probe cellular and subcellular forces, such as those of kinesin motors.
2British informal A car: we drove out in my motor...
- One can only respond enthusiastically to the idea that the compact, prestige Beemer represents a hot motor among people in their 70s.
- Together since 1951, Peugeot and Pininfarina have created some of the most stylish mass-market motors of all time.
- The motor vehicle driver should always allow at least a half-car-width between the bike and the motor.
adjective [attributive]
1chiefly British Driven by a motor: a motor van...
- When the business expanded with the move to a larger premises in Leinster Street, his mode of transport changed and a motor van was provided.
- He has a 1915 steam roller and a 1935 motor roller of his own, which he takes to the summer shows.
- During the summer months the harbourmaster is responsible for more than 2000 moorings and has to deal with hundreds of day-sailors, big yachts and motor cruisers from all over Europe.
1.1Relating to motor vehicles: motor insurance...
- He eventually moved to the Daily Herald, where he made his name as a motoring and motor sports commentator, and later worked for the BBC.
- Many older drivers resent the high cost of motor insurance - especially if they have never had an accident and do not use their cars very much.
- The most expensive components of motoring are: financing the car, motor insurance and car tax.
2Giving or producing motion or action: demand is the principle motor force governing economic activity...
- It's being driven by the fact that creativity has become the economic motor force.
- Germany is accustomed to thinking of itself as the motor force of European recovery rather than what it has become in recent times.
- But the working class still exists and it will be the motor force of the transformation of society.
2.1 Physiology Relating to muscular movement or the nerves activating it: the motor functions of each hand...
- In the muscular dystrophies pharyngeal motor function is usually only moderately affected.
- Her higher functions, cranial nerve examination, and motor and sensory examinations were all within normal limits.
- Generally, the left side of the brain controls the motor movements of the right side of the body, and vice versa.
verb [no object, with adverbial of direction]
1Travel in a motor vehicle: they motored north up the M6...
- Here I find myself writing to the Richmond News again, first about the fires on the dyke and now about motorists motoring through red lights at pedestrian walks.
- If I remember rightly, she did eventually go on to pass her test, and is now motoring around quite happily.
- Looking like fugitives from a bankrupt circus, the platoon slowly motored down a narrow muddy road to rejoin Charlie Company.
1.1 informal Run or move as fast as possible: he had motored along to second base on a passed ball...
- How was I supposed to know that his little legs could motor so fast?
- Armstrong followed his move a split second later, motoring around the others and up behind Beloki as if he were being winched out of a ditch.
- Silver Star really motored from half way and she got up to take second place two lengths behind the winner and it was a similar distance back to Moonbeam in third.
Origin
Late Middle English (denoting a person who imparts motion): from Latin, literally 'mover', based on movere 'to move'. The current sense of the noun dates from the mid 19th century.
In early use a motor was a person who imparted motion. It derives from a Latin word meaning ‘mover’, based on movere ‘to move’. The current sense of the noun dates from the mid 19th century.