motor
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.a machine that uses electricity or fuel to make something move.
n.a machine or device that converts any form of energy into mechanical energy to impart motion.
Simple“The washing machine stopped working because the motor burned out.”
In context“The engineer inspected the electric motor to determine why it was failing to provide enough torque for the conveyor belt.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
n.the main thing or person that makes a project or idea successful.
n.a figurative source of power, inspiration, or momentum for a specific cause or movement.
Simple“Small businesses are the motor of the country's economy.”
In context“Her relentless ambition served as the primary motor for the department's expansion into international markets.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a car or automobile.
n.a motor vehicle, specifically a car.
Simple“That is a very nice motor you have parked outside.”
In context“He spent his entire weekend polishing his new motor until the paintwork gleamed in the sunlight.”
Synonyms - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.relating to the way your muscles move your body.
adj.relating to muscular movement or the nerves that activate it.
Simple“Playing video games can help children develop their fine motor skills.”
In context“The patient showed significant improvement in motor function following several weeks of intensive physical therapy.”
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to move or progress very quickly.
v.to travel or progress at a brisk or steady pace.
Simple“Once we finished the first chapter, we really started motoring through the book.”
In context“After a slow start to the project, the team is now motoring along and should finish by Friday.”
- 06 C1 Advanced
Usage motor vehicle · motor vehicles · motor car
“But the motor definitely cuts down on the effort you have to make.”
“Further experiments confirmed that motor activity is essential to the process.”
From Middle English motour (“controller, prime mover; God”), from Latin mōtor (“mover; that which moves something”), from mōtō (“to set in motion”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.