'Engine' definitions:

Definition of 'engine'

From: WordNet
noun
Motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work
noun
Something used to achieve a purpose; "an engine of change"
noun
A wheeled vehicle consisting of a self-propelled engine that is used to draw trains along railway tracks [syn: locomotive, engine, locomotive engine, railway locomotive]
noun
An instrument or machine that is used in warfare, such as a battering ram, catapult, artillery piece, etc.; "medieval engines of war"

Definition of 'Engine'

From: GCIDE
  • Engine \En"gine\ ([e^]n"j[i^]n), n. [F. engin skill, machine, engine, L. ingenium natural capacity, invention; in in + the root of gignere to produce. See Genius, and cf. Ingenious, Gin a snare.] 1.
  • Note: (Pronounced, in this sense, [e^]n*j[=e]n".) Natural capacity; ability; skill. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
  • A man hath sapiences three, Memory, engine, and intellect also. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Anything used to effect a purpose; any device or contrivance; a machine; an agent. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • You see the ways the fisherman doth take To catch the fish; what engines doth he make? --Bunyan. [1913 Webster]
  • Their promises, enticements, oaths, tokens, and all these engines of lust. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Any instrument by which any effect is produced; especially, an instrument or machine of war or torture. "Terrible engines of death." --Sir W. Raleigh. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. (Mach.) A compound machine by which any physical power is applied to produce a given physical effect. [1913 Webster]
  • Engine driver, one who manages an engine; specifically, the engineer of a locomotive.
  • Engine lathe. (Mach.) See under Lathe.
  • Engine tool, a machine tool. --J. Whitworth.
  • Engine turning (Fine Arts), a method of ornamentation by means of a rose engine. [1913 Webster]
  • Note: The term engine is more commonly applied to massive machines, or to those giving power, or which produce some difficult result. Engines, as motors, are distinguished according to the source of power, as steam engine, air engine, electro-magnetic engine; or the purpose on account of which the power is applied, as fire engine, pumping engine, locomotive engine; or some peculiarity of construction or operation, as single-acting or double-acting engine, high-pressure or low-pressure engine, condensing engine, etc. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Engine'

From: GCIDE
  • Engine \En"gine\, v. t.
  • 1. To assault with an engine. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
  • To engine and batter our walls. --T. Adams. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To equip with an engine; -- said especially of steam vessels; as, vessels are often built by one firm and engined by another. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. (Pronounced, in this sense, ?????.) To rack; to torture. [Obs.] --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'engine'

From: Moby Thesaurus

Words containing 'Engine'