prime mover
noun
Forms prime movers
- noun (philosophy) The initial agent that is the cause of all things.
- noun A machine, such as a water wheel or steam engine, that receives and modifies energy as supplied by some natural source or fuel and transforms it into mechanical work
- noun (automotive) Tractor unit. Or, more specifically, the front part of a semi-trailer type truck, i.e., the tractor to which the trailer part attaches.
- noun (US) A military or heavy construction vehicle.
- noun A person or thing that is seminal and influential.
- noun An agonist muscle.
Synonyms
Etymology
Originally in translation of Latin primum mobile.
Sources: Wiktionary — from the Wiktionary entry “prime mover”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details