engine
//ˈɛnd͡ʒɪn//
Forms
- Plural
- engines
Definitions
1.A large construction used in warfare, such as a battering ram, catapult etc.
2.A complex mechanical device which converts energy into useful motion or physical effects.
3.A person or group of people which influence a larger group; a driving force.
- In France, the parliament soon became a mere engine in the hands of a few high-born and ambitious men, who had nothing in common with its interests, which were those of the people.
4.The part of a car or other vehicle which provides the force for motion, now especially one powered by internal combustion.
Frequency
Overall
Common· #1796
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Common
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Uncommon
Related words
Word family
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”).