prime mover

noun

1. Mechanics.
   1. the initial agent, as wind or electricity, that puts a machine in motion.
   2. a machine, as a water wheel or steam engine, that receives and modifies energy as supplied by some natural source.
2. means of towing a cannon, as an animal, truck, or tractor.
3. Also called unmoved mover. Aristotelianism. that which is the first cause of all movement and does not itself move.
4. a person or thing that initiates or gives power and cohesion to something, as an idea, endeavor, or organization.

prime mover

¹

noun

1. the original or primary force behind an idea, enterprise, etc
2. 1. the source of power, such as fuel, wind, electricity, etc, for a machine
   2. the means of extracting power from such a source, such as a steam engine, electric motor, etc
3. (in the philosophy of Aristotle) that which is the cause of all movement

Prime Mover

²

noun

1. the Prime Mover
   philosophy God, esp when considered as a first cause

Word History and Origins

Origin of prime mover¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Related Words

• instigator
• motivator
• mover