I. mo ‧ tor 1 S3 W3 /ˈməʊtə $ ˈmoʊtər/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[ Date: 1400-1500 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: motus , past participle of movere ; ⇨ ↑ move 1 ]
1 . the part of a machine that makes it work or move, by changing power, especially electrical power, into movement:
an electric motor
► Motor is not generally used to refer to the part of a vehicle which produces the power for it to move. Use engine : My car needs a new engine.
2 . British English old-fashioned informal a car:
That’s a nice motor you’ve got, Dave.
⇨ ↑ outboard motor
II. motor 2 BrE AmE adjective [only before noun]
1 . especially British English relating to cars or other vehicles with engines:
the motor industry
a motor accident
motor insurance
2 . having an engine:
a motor scooter
3 . technical relating to nerves that make muscles move:
impaired motor function
III. motor 3 BrE AmE verb [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]
British English old-fashioned to travel by car:
Bertie is motoring down from London.