At the risk of starting an internet fight of epic proportions, we’re going to tackle one of the biggest debates the automotive world has ever seen: engine vs. engine. While it may seem as easy as simply picking up a dictionary, chances are you can’t find a good old-fashioned 1,000-page brick in 30 seconds in this day and age. This issue has created some issues of its own in this debate.
To cite our sources, we will have to use the online version of the most accepted dictionaries. The problem is that when those definitions don’t match someone’s argument online, the quickest response is to dismiss their validity because they’re online. Rather than confronting that someone’s preconceived idea might be wrong, the more reasonable solution for some is that an established dictionary company has thrown its centuries of ethics and morals out the window just because the medium of post has changed.
Engine vs Engine…which is which?
The actual definitions
Below we will list the definitions of engine vs. engine of three of the most reputable dictionaries that we can access for free. (Note: Format quirks are specific to each publication. We’ve left them in their original published format as much as possible, so we don’t get accused of cramming information.)
Merriam-Webster Dictionary – First published in 1828
engine:
1: A machine for converting any of several forms of energy into mechanical force and motion
also: a mechanism or object that serves as a source of energy
engine:
1: one who imparts movement
specifically: PRIME MOVE
2: any of several units of power that develop energy or impart motion: as
a: a small compact engine
b: INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
especially: a gasoline engine
c: rotating machine that transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy
3: MOTOR VEHICLE
especially: CAR
American Heritage Dictionary – First published in 1969
engine:
1. a. A machine that converts energy into mechanical force or movement.
b. This machine is distinguished from an electric, spring-driven or hydraulic engine by the use of a fuel.
engine:
1. Something, such as a machine or engine, that produces or imparts motion.
2. A device that converts any form of energy into mechanical energy, especially an internal combustion engine or an arrangement of coils and magnets that converts electrical current into mechanical energy.
3. A motor vehicle, especially an automobile.
Collins English Dictionary – first published in 1979
engine:
1. any machine that uses energy to develop mechanical power; especially, a machine for transmitting motion to another machine
engine:
1. everything that produces or imparts motion
2. an engine; especially, an internal combustion engine to propel a vehicle
3. motor vehicle
4. electricity
machine to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy
One thing that’s true whether you decide to call it a motor or a motor: it makes a ton of power.
Where is the confusion
These definitions make it pretty clear that in an automotive application, “engine” and “engine” are interchangeable. So why is there so much confusion? Well, that comes down to the engineers (it’s always easier to blame the engineers). Used as a colloquial way to easily differentiate between an internal combustion power plant and one that uses electricity, it has somehow become codified in some circles that an engine uses combustion and an engine uses electricity, and never s ‘must find both.
They will dig in their heels and no amount of evidence will change their minds. (See the discussions on EngineLabs regarding the terms “foot-pound-force” and “pound-feet” of torque for similar examples.) However, we can’t blame all the engineers, like Sarah Jensen of the School of Engineering MYTH delve into the root story of the words in an excellent piece HERE. Another great dive into word etymology can be found HERE.
Therefore, we can say with confidence that it is entirely acceptable to refer to an internal combustion engine as an engine. Using some additional colloquialisms to prove our point, we’re going to put some motor oil in our motorcycle before we register our car with the Department of Motor Vehicles and compete in motorsports. The engine vs engine debate is settled.
Where does the engine oil go? Won’t it short out the windings?
But wait…
What about the reverse? Can we call an electric motor an electric motor? That sounds really bad, doesn’t it? According to the current English definitions of “engine” and “engine, calling an electric propulsion device an engine is also perfectly acceptable. However, you won’t find us doing that anytime soon.
Is it an engine in an engine compartment? Wait a second…
So where does that leave us? Although we have spent the entirety of this article so far explaining that the words are interchangeable, we will probably continue to refer to internal combustion power plants as engines and use the word “engine” when talking about power plants. This colloquial separation of definitions is not incorrect either.
At the end of the day, instead of worrying about whether it’s an engine or an engine, yelling at people for not using your favorite terminology, and trying to prove them wrong, why not enjoy the camaraderie of others? At the end of the day, we all have the same interests and should focus our scorn where it belongs…on the engineers. (Just kidding, engineers. We love you too.)
Now here’s a real question: Would the Tesla be considered a “rear engine, rear wheel drive” setup?
