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Motor Definition, Types, and Usage Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1:electric motor (motor)

motor 🔊
/ˈmoʊtər/
n./adj.
A machine that makes things move by providing power, like in cars or fans.
Electric motor close-up with spinning parts in workshop
electric motor 🔊
/ɪˈlɛktrɪk ˈmoʊtər/
n./adj.
A device that converts electrical energy into mechanical motion, used to power vehicles, appliances, and tools.
📁 Category:Technological Inventions 🔖 Level:Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'mōtor' (mover), from 'movēre' (to move).
💡 Mnemonic
Think: 'MOTOR' = 'Moves Objects To Operate Rapidly.'
📖 Example
The electric motor in the toy car makes it zoom around the room. 🔊 The electric motor in the toy car makes it zoom around the room.
🔗 Collocations
electric motor – A motor powered by electricity
motor vehicle – A vehicle powered by a motor, such as a car or truck
motor oil – Lubricant used in internal combustion engines
🔄 Synonyms
engine (n.) – A machine that converts energy into mechanical motion, often used interchangeably with motor
dynamo (n.) – A machine that generates electricity, often through rotational motion
turbine (n.) – A rotary engine that extracts energy from a fluid flow
🚫 Antonyms
generator (n.) – A device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, opposite to a motor
brake (n.) – A device used to slow or stop motion, opposing the function of a motor
🌱 Derivatives
motoring (n.) – The activity of driving a car
motorist (n.) – A person who drives a car
motorize (v.) – Equip with a motor
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'motor' entered English in the 15th century from Latin, meaning 'one who moves.' It became central to the Industrial Revolution, describing engines that powered machinery.

Meaning 2:motor functions (motor)

motor 🔊
/ˈmoʊtər/
n./adj.
Relating to movement or the control of muscles, like skills needed for using your hands or walking.
Child stacking blocks showing fine motor skills
motor functions 🔊
/ˈmoʊtər ˈfʌŋkʃənz/
n./adj.
Relating to the control of voluntary muscle movements, such as walking, writing, or grasping objects.
📁 Category:Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level:Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example
Children develop motor skills by playing with building blocks. 🔊 Children develop motor skills by playing with building blocks.
🔗 Collocations
fine motor skills – Small precise movements, like using fingers to pick up small objects
gross motor skills – Large muscle movements, like running or jumping
motor cortex – The part of the brain that plans and controls voluntary movements
🔄 Synonyms
locomotor (adj.) – Relating to movement from one place to another
kinesthetic (adj.) – Relating to the sensation of body position and movement
neuromuscular (adj.) – Involving both nerves and muscles
🚫 Antonyms
sensory (adj.) – Relating to the senses (touch, sight, hearing) rather than movement
cognitive (adj.) – Relating to mental processes rather than physical movement
🌱 Derivatives
motoric (adj.) – Relating to or involving muscular movement
motility (n.) – Ability to move spontaneously
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