prime mover
noun
Mechanics.
- the initial agent, as wind or electricity, that puts a machine in motion.
- a machine, as a water wheel or steam engine, that receives and modifies energy as supplied by some natural source.
means of towing a cannon, as an animal, truck, or tractor.
Also called unmoved mover. Aristotelianism.
that which is the first cause of all movement and does not itself move.
a person or thing that initiates or gives power and cohesion to something, as an idea, endeavor, or organization.
Origin of prime mover
First recorded in 1935–40
Words nearby prime mover
Example sentences from the Web for prime mover
And then it would be such a glorious thing to secure the prime-mover.
Secret Band of Brothers |Jonathan Harrington Green
British Dictionary definitions for prime mover (1 of 2)
prime mover
noun
the original or primary force behind an idea, enterprise, etc
- the source of power, such as fuel, wind, electricity, etc, for a machine
- the means of extracting power from such a source, such as a steam engine, electric motor, etc
(in the philosophy of Aristotle) that which is the cause of all movement
British Dictionary definitions for prime mover (2 of 2)
Prime Mover
noun
the Prime Mover philosophy
God, esp when considered as a first cause
Idioms and Phrases with prime mover
prime mover
The initial source of energy directed toward a goal, someone or something that sets others in motion. For example, Jean was the prime mover in getting us more laboratory space, or Patriotism was the prime mover of the revolution. [Late 1600s]