/ˈməʊtə(r) ||; ˈmotɚ/noun [C] a device that uses petrol, gas, electricity, etc to produce movement and makes a machine, etc work 发动机；马达: The washing machine doesn't work. I think something is wrong with the motor. 洗衣机失灵，我想是发动机出问题了。 ☞ Engine, not motor, is usually used in connection with cars and motorbikes. Cars are, however, sometimes formally referred to as motor cars. 与汽车和摩托车有关的通常用engine，不用motor。但是汽车有时亦正式地称为motor car。