Definition

1. Noun:

   • A machine that converts energy into mechanical motion: A device that uses electrical energy, fuel, or another power source to produce movement.
   • A source of power or driving force: Something that provides the energy or impetus for action or progress.

2. Adjective:

   • Relating to motion or causing movement: Describing something that imparts or is capable of imparting motion.
   • Relating to nerves that carry signals from the brain and spinal cord to muscles: Pertaining to the part of the nervous system that controls movement.

3. Verb:

   • To travel by automobile: To drive or be transported in a car or motor vehicle.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The electric motor in the fan stopped working.
  • Economic growth was the motor behind the country's development.

• Adjective:

  • The robot has several motor functions for moving its arms.
  • Damage to the motor nerves can affect movement.

• Verb (intransitive):

  • They motored along the coast for their holiday.

Advanced Usage

• "Motor neuron": A nerve cell forming part of a pathway along which impulses pass from the brain or spinal cord to a muscle or gland.

  • The disease affects the motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness.

• "Motor cortex": The region of the cerebral cortex involved in planning, controlling, and executing voluntary movements.

  • The motor cortex sends signals to the spinal cord.

Variants and Related Words

• Motorize (verb): To equip with a motor or motors.

  • They decided to motorize the old bicycle.

• Motorist (noun): A person who drives a car.

  • The motorist stopped to ask for directions.

• Motoring (noun): The activity of driving a car.

  • He enjoys the freedom of motoring through the countryside.

Synonyms

• Engine (noun): A machine with moving parts that converts power into motion.
• Drive (verb): To operate and control the direction and speed of a motor vehicle.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Motor on: To continue moving or progressing, especially steadily.
  • Despite the difficulties, the team motored on to finish the project.

Related Idioms

• "A motor mouth": (Informal) A person who talks incessantly.
  • He's a real motor mouth; he never stops talking.

Adjective

1. causing or able to cause motion
   • a motive force
   • motive power
   • motor energy
2. conveying information to the muscles from the CNS
   • motor nerves

Noun

1. a nonspecific agent that imparts motion
   • happiness is the aim of all men and the motor of all action
2. machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion

Verb

1. travel or be transported in a vehicle
   • We drove to the university every morning
   • They motored to London for the theater