Definition of ENGINE

engine

Meanings

Plural: engines

Noun

  • motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work
  • something used to achieve a purpose
    • "an engine of change"
  • a wheeled vehicle consisting of a self-propelled engine that is used to draw trains along railway tracks
  • an instrument or machine that is used in warfare, such as a battering ram, catapult, artillery piece, etc.
    • "medieval engines of war"
  • A large construction used in warfare, such as a battering ram, catapult etc.
  • A tool; a utensil or implement.
  • A complex mechanical device which converts energy into useful motion or physical effects.
  • A person or group of people which influence a larger group; a driving force.
  • The part of a car or other vehicle which provides the force for motion, now especially one powered by internal combustion.
  • A self-powered vehicle used for moving cars along a track.
  • A self-powered vehicle used for moving cars along a track.
  • A locomotive.
  • A software or hardware system responsible for a specific technical task (usually with qualifying word).
  • Ingenuity; cunning, trickery, guile.
  • The result of cunning; something ingenious, a contrivance; (in negative senses) a plot, a scheme.
  • Natural talent; genius.
  • Anything used to effect a purpose; any device or contrivance; an agent.

Verb

  • To equip with an engine; said especially of steam vessels.
  • To assault with an engine.
  • To contrive; to put into action.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English engyn, from Anglo-Norman engine, Old French engin (“skill, cleverness, war machine”), from Latin ingenium (“innate or natural quality, nature, genius, a genius, an invention, (in Late Latin) a war-engine, battering-ram”), related to ingignō (“to instil by birth, implant, produce in”). Compare gin, ingenious, engineer.

Synonyms

locomotive, locomotive engine, motor, railway locomotive

Scrabble Score: 7

engine is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
engine is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
engine is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 10

engine is a valid Words With Friends word