1 a mechanical contrivance consisting of several parts working together, esp. as a source of power.
2 a a railway locomotive. b = fire-engine. c = steam engine.
3 archaic a machine or instrument, esp. a contrivance used in warfare.
Phrases and idioms:
engine-driver the driver of an engine, esp. a railway locomotive. engine-room a room containing engines (esp. in a ship).
Derivatives:
engined adj. (also in comb.). engineless adj.
Etymology: OF engin f. L ingenium talent, device: cf. INGENIOUS
Useful english dictionary. 2012.