Engine
'endʒɪn
Definitions
3 meaningsA machine that converts energy into mechanical work or motion.
'endʒɪn
A machine with moving parts that converts power into motion.
The plane's engine sputtered before takeoff.
💡 Simply: Imagine a car: the engine is the part that makes the wheels go round! It's like the heart of the car, giving it the power to move. It’s also in planes and trains!
👶 For kids: The engine is a machine that helps things move, like a car or a plane. It's like the power inside!
More Examples
The ship's engine required regular maintenance.
The engineers are working on a new engine design.
How It's Used
"The car's engine roared to life."
"The design of the jet engine was revolutionary."
A railway locomotive.
'endʒɪn
A locomotive.
The freight train was led by a diesel engine.
💡 Simply: Imagine an old train—the engine is the big, strong part at the front that pulls all the carriages. It's like the leader of the train, making it go.
👶 For kids: The engine is the part of the train that pulls the cars.
More Examples
The steam engine was a marvel of 19th-century technology.
The railway engine whistled as it approached the station.
How It's Used
"The train was pulled by a powerful steam engine."
To provide something with an engine.
'endʒɪn
To supply with an engine.
The developers engined the prototype with a small electric motor.
💡 Simply: If you 'engine' something, it means you give it an engine. For example, they engined the car with a new V8 engine.
👶 For kids: To engine something means to give it an engine.
More Examples
They decided to engine the new plane with more fuel-efficient engines.
The manufacturer engined the sports car with a high-performance engine.
How It's Used
"The car was engined with a V8."
Idioms & expressions
fire up the engine
To start something, to get something going
"It's time to fire up the engine and get this project moving."
an engineer of
a person who designs and builds engines or machines or a person who plans and controls how a complex activity or process happens
"She's an engineer of social change."
From Old French *engin* (a machine, contrivance, instrument) and ultimately from Latin *ingenium* (innate qualities, cleverness, invention).
The word 'engine' has been used since the Middle Ages, originally referring to any mechanical device or contrivance.
Memory tip
Think of the heart of a car or a plane - that's the engine!
Word Origin
"innate qualities, cleverness, invention"