ENGINE Meaning and
Definition
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Engine is a noun that can refer to multiple meanings, both literal and figurative. In its most common usage, an engine is a mechanical device designed to convert a form of energy into mechanical motion. It operates by harnessing the potential energy of a specific resource and transforming it into kinetic energy, thereby enabling the performance of various tasks. Engines can take various forms depending on their specific applications and energy sources, such as internal combustion engines powered by fossil fuels, steam engines utilizing heat energy from water, or electric motors using electrical energy. They are widely utilized in transportation vehicles, industrial machinery, and power generation systems.
Alternatively, "engine" can also refer to the power source or propelling apparatus of a vehicle or machine. For example, it can describe the motor in a car, motorcycle, or aircraft. Additionally, the word "engine" can be metaphorically applied to describe a powerhouse or driving force behind any process or endeavor. It implies something that initiates or propels a particular action or activity, much like an engine drives a machine. In this context, an engine can represent a person's motivation, skills, or abilities that facilitate achievement and progress in a given field or pursuit. Thus, the term "engine" encompasses both the mechanical devices that power machinery and the metaphorical forces that drive human endeavors.
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Any mechanical contrivance; a machine composed of many or different parts in order to produce a certain result; any combination of the mechanical powers for producing an effect.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for ENGINE *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for ENGINE
Etymology of ENGINE
The word "engine" derives from the Latin word "ingenium", which means "innate quality, talent, or capacity". In the early 14th century, it was adopted into Old French as "engin" with the meaning of "cleverness, trickery, or device". Eventually, it found its way into Middle English as "engin", referring to military machines. Over time, the word evolved to encompass a broader range of mechanical devices and mechanisms, becoming synonymous with machines and contraptions.
Idioms with the word ENGINE
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engine room
The idiom "engine room" refers to the essential or central place where work or important activities occur in an organization or system. It often symbolizes the behind-the-scenes operations or the powerhouse that drives the functioning of a particular entity.
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employ a steam engine to crack a nut
The idiom "employ a steam engine to crack a nut" means to use excessive or unnecessary force, efforts, or resources to accomplish a simple or trivial task. It implies using a disproportionate amount of power, energy, or complexity for an action that could be easily achieved with much less.
Similar spelling words for ENGINE
- enigma,
- enchained,
- enkindle,
- enchain,
- ENGEN,
- enjoining,
- engineer,
- enkindled,
- enginery,
- encainide,
- ensminger,
- enceinte,
- ensuing,
- enjoin.
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