I. ˈmō-tər noun
Etymology: Latin, from movēre to move
Date: 1586
1. : one that imparts motion ; specifically : prime mover
2. : any of various power units that develop energy or impart motion: as
a. : a small compact engine
b. : internal combustion engine ; especially : a gasoline engine
c. : a rotating machine that transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy
3. : motor vehicle ; especially : automobile
• mo·tor·dom -dəm noun
• mo·tor·less -ləs adjective
II. adjective
Date: 1824
1.
a. : causing or imparting motion
b. : of, relating to, or being a motor neuron or a nerve containing motor neurons
motor fiber
c. : of, relating to, concerned with, or involving muscular movement
motor areas of the brain
2.
a. : equipped with or driven by a motor
b. : of, relating to, or involving an automobile
c. : designed for motor vehicles or motorists
III. verb
Date: 1896
intransitive verb
1. : to travel by automobile : drive
2. : to move or proceed at a vigorous steady pace
motor ed down the field for a touchdown
transitive verb
: to transport by automobile