Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!van-bc!sl
From: sl@van-bc.UUCP (pri=-10 Stuart Lynne)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Re: 100% plus? was Re: Shuttle Roll
Message-ID: <1910@van-bc.UUCP>
Date: 5 Oct 88 22:36:58 GMT
References: <1733@daisy.UUCP> <22000003@m.cs.uiuc.edu>
Reply-To: sl@van-bc.UUCP (pri=-10 Stuart Lynne)
Organization: Wimsey Associates, Vancouver, BC.
Lines: 32

In article <22000003@m.cs.uiuc.edu> irwin@m.cs.uiuc.edu writes:
>> What is the difference between a motor and an engine? Seems
>> like the terms are used interchangeably. Are they? 

>Eons of time ago, a motor was considered something that ran with
>electrical power, using the magnetic field as a source of motion.

>An engine was something that ran on some sort of combustion with
>ignition and fuel.

>Anymore, I think the terms are somewhat blurred. Note, our laser
>printer is called a "print engine". I think the English language
>is going to the dogs!

Well my Concise Oxford (1982 ed) says in part:

	engine: 1. n. mechanical contrivance ... especial as a source
	of power....  2. (arch) machine or instrument used in war; 
	instrument, means

	motor: 1. n. what imparts motion, machine supplying motive power
	for carriage or vessel, esp internal combustion engine ....

It would seem that a motor is an engine that is used to move something. 

The "print engine" would seem to be based on the archaic definition. This is
a common marketing ploy designed to attract people's attention by being a
bit different.


-- 
Stuart.Lynne@wimsey.bc.ca {ubc-cs,uunet}!van-bc!sl     Vancouver,BC,604-937-7532