motor

Everyday

1. A machine that turns energy (usually electricity or fuel) into movement, like the motor in a fan, a toy car or a boat. tree →
2. (UK, informal) A car. tree →
3. (adjective) To do with cars or vehicles: «motor racing». tree →
4. (adjective, science) To do with movement of the body: «motor skills». tree →

In the lessons

In science and technology lessons: an electric motor is used in circuits to make something spin. In everyday life: motorbikes, motorboats, motorways. In PE: «fine motor skills» (small movements like writing) and «gross motor skills» (big movements like running). Phrases: «electric motor», «motor skills», «motor racing», «motor vehicle».

Examples

• We added a small motor to make our model car move. tree →
• The motor in the fan is broken. tree →
• Racing drivers love motor racing. tree →
• Writing practice helps your fine motor skills. tree →
• The boat's motor started with a roar. tree →
• An electric motor uses electricity to make things spin. tree →
• Uncle Pete washed his motor on Sunday. tree →

Note

Countable. Compounds: motorbike, motorway (UK), motorboat, motorist. People often use «motor» and «engine» the same way; in science, an electric «motor» turns electricity into movement, and an «engine» usually burns fuel.