motor generator

American  

noun

Electricity.

1. one or more motors mechanically coupled to one or more generators for converting or transforming electric current into mechanical energy.

---

motor generator British  

noun

1. a generator driven by an electric motor, by means of which the voltage, frequency, or phases of an electrical power supply can be changed

---

Etymology

Origin of motor generator

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Last year, the MGU-H - the motor generator unit on the turbo shaft - was used to spool up the turbo to aid performance in a number of ways, including at the starts.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

In addition to general on-site service, Pugh also installed a safety timer on the system to prevent the motor generator from being left running.

From Washington Times • Apr. 7, 2019

"The likely thing they did was reduce the power running through the inverter and the motor generator, particularly if they are having problems in high power demand situations."

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2018

The deadly gas can build up from an idling motor, generator or faulty motor exhaust system.

From Washington Times • Jul. 25, 2016

The best plan is to have the motor generator set outside of the charging room, so as to have a wall or partition between the motor-generator and the batteries.

From The Automobile Storage Battery Its Care And Repair by Witte, Otto A.