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DictionaryenginePower-producing machine
noun

engine

EN-jin/ˈendʒɪn/

A machine that produces mechanical power.

The engine's piston moves a connecting rod to turn the crankshaft.

A cutaway engine shows piston, connecting rod and crankshaft converting energy into rotating motion, with one restrained curved motion arrow; no brand or labels.
Etymology
enLatinin, into
+gineLatinbeget, produce

The roots describe what is 'inborn,' originally a person's natural ability or cleverness. The meaning shifted from cleverness to a contrivance made through it, then narrowed to a machine that converts energy into mechanical power.

In context

St Mary's University, London38:32
that's a steam engine literally just converting that head of pressure into motion that could then be used to drive something
Physics Cafe: How Cool is That!?

More examples

  • She shuts off the engine before pumping gas.
  • The boat's engine needs fresh oil.
  • Jet engines provide the power for this airplane.

Forms

engine · engines

Similar words

motor
Often suggests electric power, though it can also mean engine.
machine
Broader term for devices that perform work, not necessarily produce power.