motor generator: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Technical)Technical / Engineering
Quick answer
What does “motor generator” mean?
A device that consists of an electric motor mechanically coupled to an electric generator, used to convert electrical power from one form to another (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device that consists of an electric motor mechanically coupled to an electric generator, used to convert electrical power from one form to another (e.g., from direct current to alternating current).
More broadly, any rotating machine set that transforms electrical power. In some contexts, especially historical, it can refer to a device for converting between different current types or voltages, or as part of a UPS or frequency converter system.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. Both regions use the term identically in technical contexts.
Connotations
In both regions, the term has strong historical/industrial connotations, suggesting older or heavy-duty electrical systems.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “motor generator” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] motor generator converts [POWER SPEC] to [POWER SPEC].A motor generator consists of [NOUN PHRASE].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “motor generator” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The motor-generator principle was crucial for early rail electrification.
- We need a motor-generator unit for the lab.
American English
- The motor-generator setup is in the basement.
- It's a motor-generator conversion system.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in procurement or maintenance contexts for industrial plants.
Academic
Used in electrical engineering textbooks and papers, often in historical or electromechanical contexts.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Primary domain. Used in electrical engineering, industrial maintenance, and historical descriptions of power systems.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “motor generator”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “motor generator”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “motor generator”
- Using it to refer to a simple engine-driven generator (e.g., petrol generator).
- Treating 'motor' and 'generator' as separate items rather than a single compound unit.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A petrol generator has an internal combustion engine (motor) driving a generator. A 'motor generator' is specifically an electric motor coupled to an electric generator, both electrical machines.
They have largely been replaced by solid-state power electronic devices (like inverters and converters) which are more efficient, smaller, cheaper, and require less maintenance.
Yes, depending on its design. By having the generator windings configured for a higher output voltage than the motor input voltage, it can act as a step-up converter.
It is a common abbreviation for 'Motor-Generator set', synonymous with 'motor generator'.
A device that consists of an electric motor mechanically coupled to an electric generator, used to convert electrical power from one form to another (e.
Motor generator is usually technical / engineering in register.
Motor generator: in British English it is pronounced /ˈməʊtə ˈdʒɛnəreɪtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmoʊt̬ɚ ˈdʒɛnəreɪt̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MOTOR spins using electricity, GENERATOR makes electricity from spinning. A 'motor generator' is the two stuck together to change the electricity's 'type' as it passes through.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TRANSLATOR FOR ELECTRICITY (converts it from one 'language' or form to another).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a motor generator?