'Motive power' definitions:
Definition of 'motive power'
(from WordNet)
noun
The power or ability to move [syn: locomotion, motive power, motivity]
Definition of 'Motive power'
From: GCIDE
- Motive \Mo"tive\, a. Causing motion; having power to move, or tending to move; as, a motive argument; motive power. "Motive faculty." --Bp. Wilkins. [1913 Webster]
- Motive power (Mach.), a natural agent, as water, steam, wind, electricity, etc., used to impart motion to machinery; a motor; a mover. [1913 Webster]
Synonyms of 'motive power'
From: Moby Thesaurus
- activator,
- animator,
- appliance,
- arouser,
- bunt,
- butt,
- clout,
- compulsion,
- convenience,
- drive,
- driving force,
- energizer,
- engine,
- enginery,
- facility,
- fixture,
- human dynamo,
- impellent,
- impelling force,
- impetus,
- impulse,
- impulsion,
- incentive,
- incitement,
- irresistible force,
- life,
- locomotion,
- machine,
- machinery,
- mechanical aid,
- mechanical device,
- mechanism,
- mobility,
- moment,
- momentum,
- motility,
- motivating force,
- motivity,
- motor,
- movableness,
- power,
- power plant,
- power source,
- propelling,
- propelment,
- propulsion,
- pulsion,
- push,
- pushing,
- restorative,
- shove,
- shoving,
- shunt,
- spark plug,
- stimulant,
- stimulator,
- stimulus,
- thrust,
- tonic,
- utility