prime mover
The term "prime mover" spans various fields, describing the initial force or agent responsible for initiating motion, action, or change.
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Definition
C1Philosophy
(technical, academic)The first cause or ultimate source of motion and change, often associated with a divine being.
Example
- In Aristotle's philosophy, the prime mover is the unmoved mover that initiates all motion in the universe.
B2Engineering
(technical)A machine that converts various forms of energy into mechanical work.
Example
- The steam engine served as the prime mover during the Industrial Revolution.
B2Anatomy
(technical)The main muscle responsible for a specific movement.
Example
- The biceps are the prime movers for bending the elbow.
B2General
(general)An individual or entity that initiates or drives a significant process or project.
Example
- She was the prime mover behind the successful campaign.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "prime mover":