¹engine

noun en·gine \ˈen-jən\

: a machine that changes energy (such as heat from burning fuel) into mechanical motion

: the vehicle that pulls a train

: something that is used for a particular purpose

Full Definition of ENGINE

obsolete

a : ingenuity

b : evil contrivance : wile

a : something used to effect a purpose : agent, instrument <mournful and terrible engine of horror and of crime — E. A. Poe>

b : something that produces a particular and usually desirable result <engines of economic growth>

a : a mechanical tool: as (1) : an instrument or machine of war (2) obsolete : a torture implement

b : machinery

c : any of various mechanical appliances —often used in combination <fire engine>

: a machine for converting any of various forms of energy into mechanical force and motion; also : a mechanism or object that serves as an energy source <black holes may be the engines for quasars>

: a railroad locomotive

: computer software that performs a fundamental function especially of a larger program

— en·gine·less adjective

See engine defined for English-language learners

See engine defined for kids

Origin of ENGINE

Middle English engin, from Anglo-French, from Latin ingenium natural disposition, talent, from in- + gignere to beget — more at kin

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to ENGINE

Synonyms: machine, motor

Other Mechanical Engineering Terms

centrifuge, differential, flange, lathe, linchpin, pinion, plenum, ratchet, traction

²engine

verb

en·gineden·gin·ing

Definition of ENGINE

transitive verb

: to equip with engines

First Known Use of ENGINE

1868

ENGINE Defined for Kids

engine

noun en·gine \ˈen-jən\

Definition of ENGINE for Kids

: a mechanical tool or device <tanks, planes, and other engines of war>

: a machine for driving or operating something especially by using the energy of steam, gasoline, or oil

: locomotive

Word History of ENGINE

The English word engine came from the Latin word ingenium, meaning “natural talent.” At first the word engine meant “skill” or “cleverness.” In time the word came to be used for things that are products of human skills and cleverness—tools and machines, for example.