# motor

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈməʊtə/ · frequency rank #2,844

## Definitions
1. A machine or device that converts other energy forms into mechanical energy, or imparts motion.
2. A motor car, or automobile, sometimes extended to other powered vehicles, such as goods vehicles.
3. A source of power for something; an inspiration; a driving force.
4. Any protein capable of converting chemical energy into mechanical work.
5. The controller or prime mover of the universe; God.
6. The fermenting mass of fruit that is the basis of pruno, or "prison wine".

## Etymology
From Middle English motour (“controller, prime mover; God”), from Latin mōtor (“mover; that which moves something”), from mōtō (“to set in motion”).

## Easily confused with
- **mott** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/motor-vs-mott)
- **motto** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/motor-vs-motto)
- **mover** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/motor-vs-mover)
- **mower** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/motor-vs-mower)
- **motors** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/motor-vs-motors)
- **Motown** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/motor-vs-motown)
- **MOR** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/mor-vs-motor)
- **moo** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/moo-vs-motor)
- **mot** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/mot-vs-motor)
- **moon** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/moon-vs-motor)
- **mood** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/mood-vs-motor)
- **moth** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/moth-vs-motor)
- **moto** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/moto-vs-motor)
- **moor** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/moor-vs-motor)
- **mojo** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/mojo-vs-motor)
- **moot** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/moot-vs-motor)
- **momo** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/momo-vs-motor)
- **Moro** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/moro-vs-motor)
- **mohr** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/mohr-vs-motor)
- **mote** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/mote-vs-motor)

## Common misspellings (7)
`mmotor`, `mootr`, `motorr`, `motro`, `mottor`, `mtoor`, `omtor`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/motor