motive power

noun

1. any power used to impart motion; any source of mechanical energy.

2. Railroads.,  locomotives or other vehicles that supply tractive power.

motive power

noun

1. any source of energy used to produce motion

2. the means of supplying power to an engine, vehicle, etc

3. any driving force

Word History and Origins

Origin of motive power¹

First recorded in 1615–25