universal motor

noun

1. a series-wound motor, of one-half horsepower or less, using alternating or direct current.

universal motor

noun

1. an electric motor capable of working on either direct current or single-phase alternating current at approximately the same speed and output

Word History and Origins

Origin of universal motor¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Researchers have used laser-powered 'optical tweezers' to reveal a universal motor mechanism used by viruses for packaging their DNA into infectious particles.

From Science Daily

Is selfishness, then, the universal motor of our actions?

From Project Gutenberg

This is the universal motor, which philosophy is searching for, which religion strengthens, which egotism supplants, and whose place pure reason never can fill.

From Project Gutenberg

Is selfishness, then, the universal motor of our actions?

From Project Gutenberg

Is selfishness, then, the universal motor of our actions?

From Project Gutenberg