motor

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   causing or able to cause motion

   The motor cart travelled along the road.

2. 2
   noun

   machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion

   The motor in the machine spun the cogs.

3. 3
   noun

   a nonspecific agent that imparts motion

   Happiness is the aim of all people and the motor of all action.

4. 4
   verb

   to travel or be transported in a vehicle

   I motored down the highway at top speed.

5. 5
   adj

   conveying information to the muscles from the central nervous system

   The motor neurons were damaged by the disease.

6. 6
   noun

   A motor car, or automobile, sometimes extended to other powered vehicles, such as goods vehicles.

   Nice motor!

7. 7
   adj

   Relating to the ability to move.

   She has excellent motor skills.

8. 8
   adj

   Propelled 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.

Etymology

From Middle English motour (“controller, prime mover; God”), from Latin mōtor (“mover; that which moves something”), from mōtō (“to set in motion”).