prime mover
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prime mover
n.
1.
a. One regarded as the initial source of energy directed toward a goal: Patriotism was the prime mover of the revolution.
b. The initial force, such as electricity, wind, or gravity, that engages or moves a machine.
c. A machine or mechanism that converts natural energy into work. Also called primum mobile.
2. Any of various heavy-duty trucks or tractors.
3. Philosophy In Aristotelian philosophy, an eternal, immaterial being of pure motion that cannot be changed but is the cause of change and motion.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
prime mover
n
1. the original or primary force behind an idea, enterprise, etc
2. (Mechanical Engineering)
a. the source of power, such as fuel, wind, electricity, etc, for a machine
b. the means of extracting power from such a source, such as a steam engine, electric motor, etc
3. (Philosophy) (in the philosophy of Aristotle) that which is the cause of all movement
Prime Mover
n
(Philosophy) the Prime Mover philosophy God, esp when considered as a first cause
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
prime′ mov′er
n.
1.
a. the initial agent, as wind or electricity, that puts a machine in motion.
b. a machine, as a waterwheel or steam engine, that receives and modifies energy as supplied by some natural source.
2. a means of towing a cannon, as an animal, truck, or tractor.
3. Aristotelianism. that which is the first cause of all movement and does not itself move.
4. a person or thing that initiates or gives power and cohesion to an idea, endeavor, etc.
[1935–40]
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
prime mover
A vehicle, including heavy construction equipment, possessing military characteristics, designed primarily for towing heavy, wheeled weapons and frequently providing facilities for the transportation of the crew of, and ammunition for, the weapon.
Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. US Department of Defense 2005.
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| Noun | 1. | prime mover - an agent that is the cause of all things but does not itself have a cause; "God is the first cause" causal agency, causal agent, cause - any entity that produces an effect or is responsible for events or results |
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