motor

UK: ˈməʊtə | US: ˈmoʊtər

Definition

  1. n. a machine that converts energy (e.g., electrical or chemical) into mechanical motion

  2. n. (informal) a motor vehicle, especially a car

  3. adj. relating to motion or machinery (e.g., motor skills)

Structure
mot <move>or <noun suffix (agent or tool)>
Etymology

motor = mot<move> + or<noun suffix (agent or tool)>

  • mot (from Latin movere, "to move") → Retains the core meaning of motion.
  • or (Latin-derived suffix) → Indicates an agent or tool performing an action (e.g., "actor," "elevator").

Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin motor ("mover"), the word entered English in the late 19th century via scientific terminology. It originally described mechanical devices producing motion (e.g., steam engines), later narrowing to electric/combustion engines. The suffix -or logically marks the device as an active "doer" of movement.

Examples

  1. The electric motor hummed quietly as the machine started.

  2. He repaired the boat’s outboard motor himself.

  3. Fine motor skills are crucial for handwriting.

  4. She drove her motor through the countryside.

  5. The factory installed new motors to increase efficiency.