Definition of Motive power

1. Noun. The power or ability to move.

Exact synonyms: Locomotion, Motivity
Generic synonyms: Mobility
Derivative terms: Locomote, Locomotive, Motive

Definition of Motive power

1. Noun. The power that enables something to move; also used in a figurative sense. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Lexicographical Neighbors of Motive Power

motivate
motivated
motivates
motivating
motivation
motivational
motivationally
motivationless
motivations
motivative
motivative(a)
motivator
motivators
motive
motive(a)
motive power (current term)
motived
motiveless
motivelessly
motivelessness
motives
motivic
motiving
motivities
motivity
motley
motley crew
motley crews
motley fool
motleyer

Literary usage of Motive power

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Transactions of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers by American Institute of Electrical Engineers (1916)
"The application of the motive power in the electric and steam drives is ... In contrast to this, with electric motive power, regardless of the method of ..."

2. Encyclopaedia Britannica: A Standard Work of Reference in Art, Literature (1907)
""I see no prospect," he wrote to Professor Jevons, " of any substitute being found for coal as a motive power. We have, it is true, our winds and streams ..."

3. A Treatise on Electric Law: Comprising the Law Governing All Electric by Joseph Asbury Joyce, Howard Clifford Joyce (1907)
"motive power — Bight to use electricity — Charter and statutes silent as to.— It is a general rule of law that when corporations are authorized by a general ..."

4. A History of the People of the United States: From the Revolution to the by John Bach McMaster (1906)
"What sort of motive power was cheapest, most effective and lasting, ... To test the merits of steam as a motive power, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad ..."

5. The Engineering Index Annual for by American Society of Mechanical Engineers (1909)
"Air Brakes motive power AND EQUIPMENT proportion the brake pressure to the coefficient of ... See Air Brakes, and Couplers, under motive power AN» EQUIPMENT ..."

6. Journal by Royal Society of Arts (Great Britain) (1858)
"Common sense, and a proper deference to the philosophy ot common things, indicates that electro-motive power will no more supersede steam than steam the ..."

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