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motor

US //ˈmoʊtɝ// UK //mˈəʊtɐ// mo·tor
  1. 1 engine (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a machine that uses electricity or fuel to make something move.

    a machine or device that converts any form of energy into mechanical energy to impart motion.

    Example

    The washing machine stopped working because the motor burned out.

    Example

    The engineer inspected the electric motor to determine why it was failing to provide enough torque for the conveyor belt.
  2. 2 driving force (n.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    the main thing or person that makes a project or idea successful.

    a figurative source of power, inspiration, or momentum for a specific cause or movement.

    Example

    Small businesses are the motor of the country's economy.

    Example

    Her relentless ambition served as the primary motor for the department's expansion into international markets.
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  1. 3 a car (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English Informal

    a car or automobile.

    a motor vehicle, specifically a car.

    Example

    That is a very nice motor you have parked outside.

    Example

    He spent his entire weekend polishing his new motor until the paintwork gleamed in the sunlight.
  2. 4 physical movement (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Medicine

    relating to the way your muscles move your body.

    relating to muscular movement or the nerves that activate it.

    Example

    Playing video games can help children develop their fine motor skills.

    Example

    The patient showed significant improvement in motor function following several weeks of intensive physical therapy.
  3. 5 to move fast (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    to move or progress very quickly.

    to travel or progress at a brisk or steady pace.

    Example

    Once we finished the first chapter, we really started motoring through the book.

    Example

    After a slow start to the project, the team is now motoring along and should finish by Friday.
  4. 6 to drive (v.)
    C1 Advanced Archaic

    to travel by car.

    to travel by motor vehicle; to drive.

    Example

    In the summer, they would motor down to the coast for the weekend.

    Example

    The family intended to motor across the countryside, stopping at various inns along the historic route.
Origin

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

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