An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. Any machine that converts energy, especially heat energy, into mechanical power or motion.
   

2. The part of a processor or software program that determines how the program manages and manipulates data. The term is most often used in relation to a specific task.

Etymology (EN): M.E. engin, from O.Fr. engin “skill, cleverness; war machine,” from L. ingenium “inborn qualities, talent,” from → in- “in”

• gen-, root of gignere “to beget, produce;” cognate with Pers. zâdan “to bring forth, give birth;” → generate.

Etymology (PE): Motor, loanword from Fr. moteur, from L. motor “mover,” from movere “to move.”