motor

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Literary

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.

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

“Her relentless ambition served as the primary motor for the department's expansion into international markets.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun British English · Informal

n. a car or automobile.

n. a motor vehicle, specifically a car.

Español:motor

“That is a very nice motor you have parked outside.”

“He spent his entire weekend polishing his new motor until the paintwork gleamed in the sunlight.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Medicine Technical

adj. relating to the way your muscles move your body.

adj. relating to muscular movement or the nerves that activate it.

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

“The patient showed significant improvement in motor function following several weeks of intensive physical therapy.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal

v. to move or progress very quickly.

v. to travel or progress at a brisk or steady pace.

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

“After a slow start to the project, the team is now motoring along and should finish by Friday.”

C1 · Advanced Archaic

v. to travel by car.

v. to travel by motor vehicle; to drive.

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

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