motor Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion
  2. noun a nonspecific agent that imparts motion
    • happiness is the aim of all men and the motor of all action
  3. verb travel or be transported in a vehicle
    drive.
    • We drove to the university every morning
    • They motored to London for the theater
  4. adjective satellite conveying information to the muscles from the CNS
    centrifugal.
    • motor nerves
  5. adjective satellite causing or able to cause motion
    motive.
    • a motive force
    • motive power
    • motor energy

WordNet

Mo"tor noun
Etymology
L., fr. movere, motum, to move.
Definitions
  1. One who, or that which, imparts motion; a source of mechanical power.
  2. (Mach.) A prime mover; a machine by means of which a source of power, as steam, moving water, electricity, etc., is made available for doing mechanical work.
Mo"tor, Mo"to*ry, Mo*to"ri*al adjective (Also<
  • Motor
  • Motory
  • Motorial
)
Etymology
L. motorius that has motion. See Motor, n.
Definitions
  1. Causing or setting up motion; pertaining to organs of motion; -- applied especially in physiology to those nerves or nerve fibers which only convey impressions from a nerve center to muscles, thereby causing motion.

Webster 1913