Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Date: 1400-1500
Language: Old French
Origin: motif, from Medieval Latin motivus, from Latin motus; MOTOR1

motive

2 adjective
     
Related topics: Physics, Mechanical
motive2 [only before noun]
technicalHPTEM the motive power or force for a machine, vehicle etc makes it move:
Water provided the motive power for the mill.
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
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