prime mover

prime mover
1. Mech.
a. the initial agent, as wind or electricity, that puts a machine in motion.
b. a machine, as a water wheel or steam engine, that receives and modifies energy as supplied by some natural source.
2. means of towing a cannon, as an animal, truck, or tractor.
3. Also called unmoved mover. Aristotelianism. that which is the first cause of all movement and does not itself move.
4. a person or thing that initiates or gives power and cohesion to something, as an idea, endeavor, or organization.
[1935-40]

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Universalium. 2010.

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  • Prime mover — may mean:In Theology: * Prime Mover in the Cosmological argument, as a first cause of existenceIn railways: * Prime mover (locomotive), a component of a locomotiveIn haulage: * Prime mover (tractor unit), a structure that provides the motive… …   Wikipedia

  • prime mover — n 1.) someone who helps to make something happen and has great influence in the way it develops prime mover in/of/behind ▪ He was a prime mover in the bid to get better pay for West Indian cricketers. ▪ She was a prime mover of social change in… …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • Prime mover — Prime Prime, a. [F., fr. L. primus first, a superl. corresponding to the compar. prior former. See {Prior}, a., {Foremost}, {Former}, and cf. {Prim}, a., {Primary}, {Prince}.] 1. First in order of time; original; primeval; primitive; primary.… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • prime mover — prime movers N COUNT: usu N behind/in n The prime mover behind a plan, idea, or situation is someone who has an important influence in starting it. He was the prime mover behind the coup... He has been named as the prime mover in the conspiracy… …   English dictionary

  • Prime Mover — Éditeur Psygnosis Développeur Interactivision Date de sortie 1993 Genre Course (Moto) Mode de jeu Un joueur Plate f …   Wikipédia en Français

  • prime mover — noun count someone who has a major influence on the starting or development of something: one of the prime movers behind the new museum project …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • prime mover — index aggressor, architect, author (originator), determinant, promoter, protagonist, reason (basis) …   Law dictionary

  • prime mover — prīm mü vər n AGONIST (1) * * * see agonist * * * a muscle that acts directly to bring about a desired movement …   Medical dictionary

  • prime mover — *origin, source, provenance, provenience, inception, root …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • prime mover — n. 1. a) the original force in a series of transmissions of force b) any initiating or principal force 2. any natural force applied by people to produce power, as muscular energy or flowing water 3. a machine, as a turbine, that converts a… …   English World dictionary

  • prime mover — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms prime mover : singular prime mover plural prime movers someone who has a major influence on the starting or development of something one of the prime movers behind the new museum project …   English dictionary

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