engine

Signification

Noun

1. A large construction used in warfare, such as a battering ram, catapult etc.
2. A tool; a utensil or implement.
3. A complex mechanical device which converts energy into useful motion or physical effects.
4. A person or group of people which influence a larger group; a driving force.
5. The part of a car or other vehicle which provides the force for motion, now especially one powered by internal combustion.
6. A self-powered vehicle, especially a locomotive, used for pulling cars along a track.
7. A software or hardware system responsible for a specific technical task (usually with qualifying word).
8. (obsolete) Ingenuity; cunning, trickery, guile.
9. (obsolete) The result of cunning; something ingenious, a contrivance; (in negative senses) a plot, a scheme.
10. (obsolete) Natural talent; genius.
11. Anything used to effect a purpose; any device or contrivance; an agent.

Verb

1. To equip with an engine; said especially of steam vessels.
2. (obsolete) To assault with an engine.
3. (obsolete) To contrive; to put into action.

Coupé comme

en‧gine

Prononcé comme (IPA)

/ˈɛnd͡ʒɪn/

Étymologie

From Middle English engyn, from Anglo-Norman engine, Old French engin (“skill, cleverness, war machine”), from Latin ingenium (“innate or natural quality, nature, genius, a genius, an invention, (in Late Latin) a war-engine, battering-ram”), related to ingignō (“to instil by birth, implant, produce in”). Compare gin, ingenious, engineer.

Phrases

We were only half a mile from the destination when the engine packed in .

Nous n'étions qu'à un demi-mile de la destination lorsque le moteur s'est emballé.