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electric motor

American  

noun

  1. motor.


electric motor British  

noun

  1. a device that converts electrical energy to mechanical torque

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of electric motor

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In an axial flux motor, the electromagnetic field is parallel to the motor’s axis of rotation, instead of perpendicular in a conventional electric motor.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

It was also connected to a small electric motor to produce electrical current.

From Science Daily • Feb. 27, 2026

Next up is the E-Ray, with the 6.2-liter V8 aided by an electric motor on the front axle, starting at $108,600.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 2025

That means all new cars will have to be electric, or hybrid - with both an internal combustion engine and electric motor.

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2025

She enjoyed her work, which consisted chiefly in running and servicing a powerful but tricky electric motor.

From "1984" by George Orwell

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