So i heard people actually argue over whether engine or motor is correct or incorrect. I personally believe that anyone saying motor is correct for the most part. I like the definitions provided by WordNet and their definition is the way Ive understood the difference: A motor is a machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion. An engine is a motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work. So an engine is a specific type of motor. Thats why its not incorrect to speak of a motorboat, or a motorcar, or a motor speedway, even if the boat or car is clearly powered by combustion. Note that if theres no combustion, theres no engine. Purely electric cars dont have engines. As nouns, motor can also refer to a nonspecific agent that causes motion: happiness is the aim of all men and the motor of all action, and engine can refer to something used to achieve a purpose: an engine of change, a railway locomotive, or a machine used in warfare: medieval engines of war.
Posted on: Mon, 04 Aug 2014 21:35:00 +0000