On Wed, 26 Oct 1994, Vern Klukas wrote:
> >From Chip Old:
>
> >> Well, if you want to pick nits, "motor" is used correctly only as in
> >> electric motor, while "engine" refers to internal combustion or steam
>
> So ya wanta pick nits, eh? Nit wise, a motor is any device providing
> movement that does not have a self-contained source of energy. Doesn't have
> to electric, doesn't have to go round, just needs an energy source to go. A
> engine is self-contained, a so-called "prime mover." So, in the case of the
> Vern
Being both a motorhead (Enginehead?), and also being among engineers, (a
group who is always right), I've heard both of these given as the
official definition.
I think perhaps when these things came out near the turn of the
century, knowledgeable people wanted to make a clear distinction. But
these days, I think the dictionary acts as a clear barometer of public
opinion; engine and motor are for most intents and purposes, synonymous.
In other words, no one really cares.
Greg Meboe
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