engine

[ en-juhn ]

noun

1. a machine for converting thermal energy into mechanical energy or power to produce force and motion.
2. a railroad locomotive.
3. a fire engine.
4. Computers. a piece or collection of software that drives a later process (used in combination, as in game engine software engine ). search engine.
5. any mechanical contrivance.
6. a machine or instrument used in warfare, as a battering ram, catapult, or piece of artillery.
7. a means by which something is achieved, accomplished, or furthered:

   Trade is an engine of growth that creates jobs, reduces poverty, and increases economic opportunity.

8. Obsolete. an instrument of torture, especially the rack.

engine

/ ˈɛndʒɪn /

noun

1. any machine designed to convert energy, esp heat energy, into mechanical work

   a petrol engine

   a steam engine

2. 1. a railway locomotive
   2. ( as modifier )

      the engine cab

3. military any of various pieces of equipment formerly used in warfare, such as a battering ram or gun
4. obsolete.
   any instrument or device

   engines of torture

engine

/ ĕn′jĭn /

1. A machine that turns energy into mechanical force or motion, especially one that gets its energy from a source of heat, such as the burning of a fuel. The efficiency of an engine is the ratio between the kinetic energy produced by the machine and the energy needed to produce it.
2. See more at internal-combustion engineSee also motor

Other Words From

• en·gine·less adjective
• mul·ti·en·gine noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of engine¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English engin, from Anglo-French, Old French engign, enging, from Latin ingenium “nature, innate quality, mental power, clever invention,” equivalent to in- “in” + -genium (equivalent to gen- “begetting” + -ium noun suffix); in- ², kin, -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of engine¹

C13: from Old French engin, from Latin ingenium nature, talent, ingenious contrivance, from in- ² + -genium, related to gignere to beget, produce

Example Sentences

The pilot reported engine trouble before the crash, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

From Los Angeles Times

Long the economic engine that has powered the company, Disney’s theme park finances have been closely watched by analysts, particularly as rival Universal plans to debut its Epic Universe theme park in Orlando next year.

From Los Angeles Times

The deal, which follows the decision in September to end Renault’s own engine programme in 2025, runs until at least the end of 2030.

From BBC

The move, which is aimed at increasing competitiveness after years of the Renault engine failing to match up to its rivals, follows a shift in focus at Alpine, after many years of failing to achieve its ambitions in F1.

From BBC

Later that night, May’s engine ended up back in the couple’s driveway, where they parked for dinner.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• appliance
• diesel
• generator
• instrument
• motor
• power plant
• tool
• transformer
• turbine
• weapon