universal motor

noun

1. a series-wound motor, of one-half horsepower or less, using alternating or direct current.

universal motor

noun

1. an electric motor capable of working on either direct current or single-phase alternating current at approximately the same speed and output

Word History and Origins

Origin of universal motor¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

The author of the world may be conceived as the universal motor.

From Project Gutenberg