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horsepower Definition

horse·power (hôrs′po̵u′ər)

noun

  1. the power exerted by a horse in pulling
  2. pl. horsepower a basic unit of power in the FPS system, equal to the power needed to raise a weight of 550 pounds a distance of 1 foot in 1 second or a weight of 33,000 pounds a distance of 1 foot in 1 minute (746 watts or 42.41 British thermal units per minute): used esp. for measuring the power of motors or engines: abbrev. hp
  3. Informal power this car doesn't have the horsepower to climb steep hills

Etymology: first adopted by James Watt

horsepower Synonyms

horsepower

n.

strength, pull, power; see energy 3.

horsepower Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • produce: In 1851 British steam engines could produce 1.2 million horsepower which was more than the rest of Europe put together.
  • generate: It can be said that that short-stroke engines generate higher horsepower at higher revs, long-stroke engines develop more torque at lower revs.
  • deliver: Now for the first time, the AGEIA PhysX Processor delivers the computing horsepower necessary to enable true, advanced physics in games.
  • increase: We also considered using a turbo to increase the horsepower.
  • require: It requires great horsepower to push the plow at the required depth.

Preposition: at

  • rpm: The unit produced 34 brake horsepower at 4350 rpm.

Adjective modifier

  • maximum: Horsepower: A calculation of the motor's maximum horsepower.
  • enough: Log in View Full Version: Not enough horsepower!
  • more: In an ideal world I will have more horsepower for the next test here in two weeks time!
  • additional: VAT How much additional horsepower will the Power Commander give me?
  • high: Designed for strength without the need for high horsepower.

Modifies a noun

  • tractor: The book follows the fortunes of the firm from its earliest roots in tank track design to four wheel drive and high horsepower tractors.
  • diesel: Powered by two 1,700 horsepower diesel engines, she is capable of speeds of 14 knots.
  • engine: Powered by two 1,700 horsepower diesel engines, she is capable of speeds of 14 knots.
  • motor: Specifications 2.25 HP motor - The 2.25 horsepower treadmill motor provides a smooth, consistent pace for an intense or light workout.
  • gain: The half system replaces them with a straight through tail pipe for maximum horsepower gain.

Noun used with modifier

  • drawbar: These locomotives were mechanically fired and could produce in the region of 3000 drawbar horsepower.
  • brake: What we want to talk about is how they managed to get 345 brake horsepower out of a 2 liter engine.
  • shaft: One propulsion motor, producing 2,000 shaft horsepower, driving a single propeller.
  • peak: The mods have delivered an extra healthy mid range punch but no extra peak horsepower.