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View synonyms for motive power

motive power

noun

  1. any power used to impart motion; any source of mechanical energy.
  2. Railroads. locomotives or other vehicles that supply tractive power.


motive power

noun

  1. any source of energy used to produce motion
  2. the means of supplying power to an engine, vehicle, etc
  3. any driving force
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of motive power1

First recorded in 1615–25
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Example Sentences

If a kite would give motive power to a man skating, why not use a more up-to-date air-power scheme on the ice?

Tug service for sailing ships or vessels without motive power is at the rate of $15 per hour.

I'll give you six months in which to make good as a model superintendent of motive power.

He saw that the motive power which would carry itself forward and drag repeal with it, was in the land.

The motive power was a tackle attached to trees, which was worked by men, from fourteen to twenty of whom were employed upon it.

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