motive power

any power used to impart motion; any source of mechanical energy.

Railroads. locomotives or other vehicles that supply tractive power.

Origin of motive power

First recorded in 1615–25

At this he would have undoubtedly made money but for the enormous cost of gas needed as motive-power for the plant.

Behind the Beyond |Stephen Leacock
The male right arm, swinging like a pendulum, suggests itself as being the motive-power of the ungraceful mechanism.

Feminism and Sex-Extinction |Arabella Kenealy
He came to the aid of its directors in their problem of motive-power.

The Modern Railroad |Edward Hungerford
A committee of the tenants were the ostensible authority, the motive-power was the Squire.

The Hills and the Vale |Richard Jefferies

A book that every railroad man in the motive-power department ought to have.

Aviation Engines |Victor Wilfred Pag

motive power

any source of energy used to produce motion

the means of supplying power to an engine, vehicle, etc

any driving force