Motor and Engine

[Rubycon]

If an engine is generally something that gets its energy from burning something and a motor is something that runs off electrical power -

Why do we call scooters motorcycles? Because enginecycles would sound weird?

Some people do talk about motors in cars. But lawnmowers have engines unless they plug into the wall?

Never heard of a dishwasher with an engine problem! :laugh:

 

[Ika]

mo·tor ( P ) Pronunciation Key (mtr)
n.
Something, such as a machine or an engine, that produces or imparts motion.
A device that converts any form of energy into mechanical energy, especially an internal-combustion engine or an arrangement of coils and magnets that converts electric current into mechanical power.
A motor vehicle, especially an automobile: ?It was a night of lovers. All along the highway... motors were parked and dim figures were clasped in revery? (Sinclair Lewis).


en·gine ( P ) Pronunciation Key (njn)
n.

A machine that converts energy into mechanical force or motion.
Such a machine distinguished from an electric, spring-driven, or hydraulic motor by its use of a fuel.

A mechanical appliance, instrument, or tool: engines of war.
An agent, instrument, or means of accomplishment.

 

[skyking]

Back in the days of Motorcars, the terms were interchangable. The british stuck to using motors for what we formally consider engines for quite a while, adding to the confusion.




Oh how typically british of them.

windscreens, bonnets.
aluminium

Meh

 

[So]

Originally posted by: MS Dawn
If an engine is generally something that gets its energy from burning something and a motor is something that runs off electrical power -

Why do we call scooters motorcycles? Because enginecycles would sound weird?

Some people do talk about motors in cars. But lawnmowers have engines unless they plug into the wall?

Never heard of a dishwasher with an engine problem! :laugh:

Another terrible MS Dawn rant disguised as a joke. (TM)

 

[olds]

Why do we drive on a parkway and park on a driveway?
/sienfield

 

[Rubycon]

It's not a rant nor a joke. Well now it is that the "British difference" has been brought in.

 

[skyking]

Originally posted by: MS Dawn
It's not a rant nor a joke. Well now it is that the "British difference" has been brought in.

Hey, I didn't make the thread

 

[jdini76]

Motor is the main category

Engines are subcategories

Motor
-Cumbustable Engine
-Steam Engine
-Electric Motor
etc.

They area all in the Motor Family.

 

[ArchCenturion]

What about a motor mouth?