engine
English meaning: Engine
Definition
A large construction used in warfare, such as a battering ram, catapult etc.
Example
“The mechanic spent the afternoon repairing the car's engine.”
Another example: “Tourism is the engine of the island's economy.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A neutral, technical noun for a machine that converts energy into motion, especially in vehicles. Also figurative ('the engine of growth') and historical ('siege engine'). In computing, 'search engine', 'game engine'. Common across registers.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Old French 'engin' ('skill, cleverness, war machine'), from Latin 'ingenium' ('natural talent, device'), in English from the 13th century.
Related Words
- carburetor
- crankshaft
- camshaft
- gearbox
- pusher
- horsepower
- rpm
- torque
- propeller
- cylinder
Common Collocations
- car engine
- search engine
- engine power
- start the engine
- engine failure
Word Forms
engine (n); engines (pl); engineer (n)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B