Definition of engines in English

Wiktionary

engines (Noun)
Plural of engine.

Part of speech

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engines, noun, plural of engine.

WordNet

Noun Plural: engines
engine - motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work
		motor machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion
		aircraft engine the engine that powers and aircraft
		automobile engine the engine that propels an automobile
		auxiliary engine, donkey engine (nautical) a small engine (as one used on board ships to operate a windlass)
		camshaft has cams attached to it
		gearing, geartrain, power train, gear, train wheelwork consisting of a connected set of rotating gears by which force is transmitted or motion or torque is changed; "the fool got his tie caught in the geartrain"
		generator engine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by electromagnetic induction
		heat engine any engine that makes use of heat to do work
engine - an instrument or machine that is used in warfare, such as a battering ram, catapult, artillery piece, etc.; "medieval engines of war"
		instrument the means whereby some act is accomplished; "my greed was the instrument of my destruction"; "science has given us new tools to fight disease"
		battering ram a ram used to break down doors of fortified buildings
engine - something used to achieve a purpose; "an engine of change"
engine - a wheeled vehicle consisting of a self-propelled engine that is used to draw trains along railway tracks
		locomotive, locomotive engine, railway locomotive
		self-propelled vehicle a wheeled vehicle that carries in itself a means of propulsion
		railroad train, train public transport provided by a line of railway cars coupled together and drawn by a locomotive; "express trains don't stop at Princeton Junction"
		choo-choo a child's word for locomotive
		diesel locomotive a locomotive driven by a diesel engine
		dinkey, dinky a small locomotive
		electric locomotive a locomotive that is powered by an electric motor
		cowcatcher, fender, pilot, buffer a barrier that surrounds the wheels of a vehicle to block splashing water or mud; "in Britain they call a fender a wing"
		footplate the platform in the cab of a locomotive on which the engineer stands to operate the controls
		iron horse (c. 1840) an early term for a locomotive
		pilot engine a locomotive that precedes a train to check the track
		shunter a small locomotive used to move cars around but not to make trips
		steam locomotive a locomotive powered by a steam engine
		switch engine, donkey engine a locomotive for switching rolling stock in a railroad yard
		tank engine, tank locomotive a locomotive that carries its own fuel and water; no tender is needed

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Wiktionary

engine (Noun)
A large construction used in warfare, such as a battering ram , catapult etc.
engine (Noun)
A complex mechanical device which converts energy into useful motion or physical effects.
engine (Noun)
A person or group of people which influence a larger group; a driving force.
engine (Noun)
The part of a car or other vehicle which provides the force for motion, now especially one powered by internal combustion .
engine (Noun)
A self-powered vehicle, especially a locomotive, used for pulling cars along a track.
engine (Verb)
To assault with an engine.
engine (Verb)
To equip with an engine; said especially of steam vessels.
engine (Verb)
To rack; to torture.

Webster DictionaryWebster's Unabridged Dictionary 📘

engine (n.)
(Pronounced, in this sense, ////.) Natural capacity; ability; skill.
engine (n.)
Anything used to effect a purpose; any device or contrivance; an agent.
engine (n.)
Any instrument by which any effect is produced; especially, an instrument or machine of war or torture.
engine (n.)
A compound machine by which any physical power is applied to produce a given physical effect.
engine (v. t.)
To assault with an engine.
engine (v. t.)
To equip with an engine; -- said especially of steam vessels; as, vessels are often built by one firm and engined by another.
engine (v. t.)
(Pronounced, in this sense, /////.) To rack; to torture.

Chambers DictionaryChamber's 20th Century Dictionary 📕

engine
en′jin, n. a complex and powerful machine, esp. a prime mover: a military machine: anything used to effect a purpose: a device: contrivance: (obs.) ability, genius.—v.t. to contrive: to put into action.—ns. En′gine-driv′er, one who manages an engine, esp. who drives a locomotive; Engineer′, an engine maker or manager: one who directs works and engines: a soldier belonging to the division of the army called Engineers, consisting of men trained to engineering work.—v.i. to act as an engineer.—v.t. to arrange, contrive.—ns. Engineer′ing, the art or profession of an engineer; En′gine-man, one who drives an engine; En′gine-room, the room in a vessel in which the engines are placed; En′ginery, the art or business of managing engines: engines collectively: machinery; En′gine-turn′ing, a kind of ornament made by a rose-engine, as on the backs of watches, &c.—Civil engineer (see Civil). [O. Fr. engin—L. ingenium, skill. See Ingenious.]

Sailor's Word-BookThe Sailor's Word-Book ⛵

engine
(See MARINE ENGINES.) Engine was of old a military machine for warfare.

Wikipedia

An engine, or motor, is a machine for converting thermal energy into mechanical energy or power to produce force and motion. For example a car (automobile) has an engine which turns the wheels. An engine needs some kind of energy source, like gasoline (petrol), to work.

Cars make use of an internal combustion engine. There are different types of internal combustion engines; such as petrol/gasoline engines, diesel engines, rotary engines, four-stroke as well as two-stroke engines. The first internal combustion engine that worked was built by a German engineer named Nikolas Otto in 1876. Most cars have either four, six or eight cylinder motors. Modern cars, due to gas prices going up, may make use of three cylinders. For the best power, cars may even make use of sixteen cylinder motors.

External combustion also exists. An example is the steam engine where the fuel is burned outside the engine to create steam, which is used within the motor to bring about motion. These engines are commonly used in old boats or trains.