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engine definition

en·gine (en′jən)

noun

  1. any machine that uses energy to develop mechanical power; esp., a machine for transmitting motion to some other machine
  2. a railroad locomotive
  3. any instrument or machine; apparatus engines of warfare, engines of torture
  4. fire engine
  5. Archaic any means or device

Etymology: ME engin, native talent, hence something produced by this < OFr < L ingenium, natural ability, genius < in-, in + base of gignere, to beget: see genus

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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