prime mover
Mechanics.
the initial agent, as wind or electricity, that puts a machine in motion.
a machine, as a water wheel or steam engine, that receives and modifies energy as supplied by some natural source.
means of towing a cannon, as an animal, truck, or tractor.
Also called unmoved mover. Aristotelianism. that which is the first cause of all movement and does not itself move.
a person or thing that initiates or gives power and cohesion to something, as an idea, endeavor, or organization.
Origin of prime mover
1Words Nearby prime mover
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use prime mover in a sentence
That spirit, the Columbia University professor suggested, “may even have been the prime mover in the development of language itself.”
From ‘Scientist’ to ‘Spam,’ the Surprisingly Playful Origins of English Words | Ralph Keyes | April 1, 2021 | TimeHe has been considered a kingmaker, a prime mover behind Republican candidates from Corbett to 2018’s GOP gubernatorial nominee Scott Wagner, as well as dozens more down-ballot candidates.
He was a prime mover behind the Saudi military intervention in Bahrain a year ago to smash an incipient Shia reform movement.
Leo is strategic, the queen on the chessboard, the prime mover of the zodiac.
Vestas has clearly been the prime mover in WindMade and they both deserve and have received credit for that.
Winds of Change: Green Industry Trailblazer Leads WindMade Charge | Daily Beast Promotions | February 28, 2011 | THE DAILY BEAST
The prime mover behind the show, Andy Valmorbida, who is now 30, moved with his family to Manhattan when he was in his mid teens.
In every direction but one he turns, and that is the direction where lies the prime mover of his toil, his subject.
English: Composition and Literature | W. F. (William Franklin) WebsterHookey, it seemed probable, was the prime mover; and I felt satisfied we should see him again.
That is true, too,—although I somehow think Merrick is the prime mover in this swindle.
The Rover Boys on the Farm | Arthur M. Winfield (AKA Edward Stratemeyer)If those shutters ever open I think you'll have to be the prime mover.
The Opened Shutters | Clara Louise BurnhamThe prime mover in this case is evidently steam, an agent sufficiently powerful for the phenomena.
The Book of Curiosities | I. Platts
British Dictionary definitions for prime mover (1 of 2)
the original or primary force behind an idea, enterprise, etc
the source of power, such as fuel, wind, electricity, etc, for a machine
the means of extracting power from such a source, such as a steam engine, electric motor, etc
(in the philosophy of Aristotle) that which is the cause of all movement
British Dictionary definitions for Prime Mover (2 of 2)
the Prime Mover philosophy God, esp when considered as a first cause
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
Other Idioms and Phrases with prime mover
The initial source of energy directed toward a goal, someone or something that sets others in motion. For example, Jean was the prime mover in getting us more laboratory space, or Patriotism was the prime mover of the revolution. [Late 1600s]
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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