/ˈməʊtə/, /ˈmoʊtəɹ/, [ˈmoʊɾɚ]
OriginFrom Middle English motour (“controller, prime mover; God”), from Latin mōtor (“mover; that which moves something”), from mōtō (“to set in motion”).
- A machine or device that converts other energy forms into mechanical energy, or imparts motion.
- A motor car, or automobile, sometimes extended to other powered vehicles, such as goods vehicles.
“Nice motor!”
“Motor insurance is expensive for youngsters.”
“It was flood-tide along Fifth Avenue; motor, brougham, and victoria swept by on the glittering current; pretty women glanced out from limousine and tonneau; young men of his own type, silk-hatted, fro”
- figurativelyA source of power for something; an inspiration; a driving force.
- Any protein capable of converting chemical energy into mechanical work.
- archaic, poeticThe controller or prime mover of the universe; God.
- slangThe fermenting mass of fruit that is the basis of pruno, or "prison wine".
- not-comparableRelating to the ability to move.
“She has excellent motor skills.”
- not-comparablePropelled by an internal combustion engine (as opposed to a steam engine or turbine).
“A motor yacht for its size has about 30 per cent more accommodations than a steamer of the same size.”
- datedTo make a journey by motor vehicle; to drive.
“On Saturday we motored down to Plymouth.”
“The practice used to be for such consignments to be loaded as tranships to the large centre, but this involved rather slow transits, and to a considerable extent these consignments are now motored to ”
“Well, if you ever plan to motor west / Jack, take my way, it's the highway that's the best / Get your kicks on Route 66”
- transitiveTo rotate a jet engine or turboprop using the engine's starter, without introducing fuel into the engine.
“During startup, the engine should be motored for 20 to 30 seconds to allow the shafts to straighten out, as they may have become bowed under their own weight while the airplane was sitting on the grou”
- figuratively, informalTo progress at a brisk pace.
“Sales were slow at first, but now things are really motoring.”
“More recently, ORR has been developing its knowledge and skills in cyber and digital security. Prosser says this is really "motoring".”
- slangTo leave.
Formsmotors(plural) · motour(alternative) · motors(present, singular, third-person) · motoring(participle, present) · motored(participle, past) · motored(past)