Definition

1. Noun:
   • A machine that converts energy into mechanical motion: An "engine" is a device designed to transform various forms of energy (like thermal, electrical, or chemical) into useful mechanical work to power other machines or vehicles.
   • A locomotive: An "engine" is also the self-propelled vehicle that pulls a train along railway tracks.
   • A means or instrument to achieve something: Figuratively, an "engine" can be a tool, system, or force that drives a process or change.
   • (Archaic) A mechanical device used in warfare: Historically, an "engine" referred to a military machine or instrument, such as a catapult or battering ram.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Machine):
  • The car's engine was very efficient.
  • They are developing a new engine that runs on hydrogen.
• Noun (Locomotive):
  • The steam engine chugged into the station.
  • The engineer checked the engine before the long journey.
• Noun (Means/Instrument):
  • Education is a powerful engine for social progress.
  • The new policy acted as an engine of economic growth.

Advanced Usage

• "to be the engine of something": to be the main driving force behind something.
  • Small businesses are often the engine of a local economy.
• "engine room": (literally) the compartment where a ship's engines are located; (figuratively) the place or group where the most important work or activity happens.
  • The midfield is the engine room of a successful soccer team.

Variants and Related Words

• Engineer (n): A person who designs, builds, or maintains engines, machines, or public works.
• Engineering (n): The branch of science and technology concerned with the design, building, and use of engines, machines, and structures.
• Engineless (adj): Lacking an engine.
• Internal combustion engine (n): An engine that generates power by burning fuel inside the engine itself.
• Search engine (n): A software system designed to search for information on the World Wide Web.

Synonyms

• Motor: A machine, especially one powered by electricity or internal combustion, that supplies motive power for a vehicle or other device.
• Machine: An apparatus using mechanical power and having several parts, for performing a particular task.
• Mechanism: A system of parts working together in a machine.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Engine" is primarily a noun and does not commonly form phrasal verbs. The verb form is rare and technical.)

Related Idioms

• To fire on all cylinders/engines: To function or perform at the highest possible level of efficiency and energy.
  • The team was firing on all engines during the final project phase.
• To grease the engine: To facilitate a process by making things run more smoothly.
  • A small incentive helped grease the engine of the negotiation.

Noun

1. an instrument or machine that is used in warfare, such as a battering ram, catapult, artillery piece, etc.
   • medieval engines of war
2. a wheeled vehicle consisting of a self-propelled engine that is used to draw trains along railway tracks
3. something used to achieve a purpose
   • an engine of change
4. motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work