Engine

Definition

Engine is a noun that refers to a machine or device that converts energy, usually fuel or electricity, into mechanical power to produce movement or operate machinery. It is often the driving mechanism in vehicles, machines, and industrial processes.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɛndʒɪn/
• Respelling: EN-jin

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɛndʒɪn/
• Respelling: EN-jin

Etymology

The word "engine" originates from the Latin "ingenium," meaning "innate quality" or "ability," which evolved into Old French "engin," meaning "skill" or "device." In Middle English, it referred to both a machine and a contrivance, eventually becoming associated primarily with powered machines.

Derivatives

• Engineer (noun)
• Engineering (noun)
• Engineered (adjective)
• Enginery (noun)
• Reengineer (verb)

Synonyms

• Motor
• Machine
• Generator

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The noun "engine" is widely used to refer to the main mechanical component that powers vehicles, machinery, and various devices. For example, "The car's engine is highly fuel-efficient." It can also be used figuratively to mean a driving force behind a project or process, as in "Innovation is the engine of growth."

Related Terms

• Motor: A device that creates mechanical motion.
• Generator: A machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
• Turbine: A rotary engine that extracts energy from fluid flow.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A machine that converts energy into mechanical power: Describes a device that provides the power to move or operate machinery.
  • Example: "The airplane’s engine roared to life."
• The main component driving a vehicle: Refers to the internal component that provides power to vehicles, such as cars, airplanes, and boats.
  • Example: "The ship's engine was checked before departure."
• A figurative driving force or motivator: Used metaphorically to describe the primary force behind a process or organization.
  • Example: "Education is often seen as the engine of economic development."