motor

n. [ L., fr. movere, motum, to move. ] 1. One who, or that which, imparts motion; a source of mechanical power. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Mach.) A prime mover; a machine by means of which a source of power, as steam, moving water, electricity, etc., is made available for doing mechanical work. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A motor car; an automobile. [ archiac Colloq. ] [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

n. 1. a light two-wheeled vehicle containing a motor for propulsion. It is lighter in construction and has a lower speed than a motorcycle. [ PJC ]

2. Specifically: a small motorcycle with a low frame and small weels and elevated handlebars.
Syn. -- minibike. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

3. Specifically: a bicyle with a motor attached for propulsion. [ PJC ]

n. a boat propelled by an internal-combustion engine driving propellers immersed in the water.
Syn. -- powerboat. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. a road vehicle carrying many passengers; used for public transport; an omnibus.
Syn. -- bus, autobus, coach, charabanc, double-decker, jitney, motorcoach, omnibus. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. a procession of people traveling in motor cars. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

{ or }, n. 1. An automobile, locomobile, or locomotive designed to run and be steered on a street or roadway; esp., an automobile specially designed for passengers and propelled by an internal combustion engine.
Syn. -- car, auto, automobile, machine. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

2. (Elec. Railroads) Any car containing motors for propulsion. [ U. S. ] [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

n. a motorbus.
Syn. -- bus, autobus, coach, charabanc, double-decker, jitney, motorbus, omnibus. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

v. i. to ride a motorcycle.
Syn. -- cycle. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

{ or }, n. A two-wheeled vehicle having a motor attached so as to be self-propelled. In common usage, a motorcycle is of heavier construction with larger wheels, a more powerful motor, and a higher maximum speed than a motorbike. A motorcycle may have a small appended compartment called a sidecar, supported by a third wheel, which can carry a passenger. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

In Great Britain as of 1913 the term motor cycle was treated by statute (3 Ed VII. c. 36) as limited to motor cars (self-propelled vehicles) designed to travel on not more than three wheels, and weighing unladen (that is, without water, fuel, or accumulators necessary for propulsion) not more than three hundred weight (336 lbs.). [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]