black box vs motor

black box

noun
  • A theoretical construct or device with known input and output characteristics but unknown method of operation. 

  • A flight recorder; the brightly colored cockpit voice recorders and flight data recorders in an aircraft designed to aid in determining the cause of an accident. 

  • A device used in phreaking that prevents the calling party from being billed for the call placed. 

  • A type of theater characterized by a lack of decoration or complex mechanisms. 

  • Any similar device on motor vehicles, such as rail event recorders and ship trip recorders. 

verb
  • To focus on the inputs and outputs without worrying about the internal complexity. 

motor

noun
  • A machine or device that converts other energy forms into mechanical energy, or imparts motion. 

  • The fermenting mass of fruit that is the basis of pruno, or "prison wine". 

  • A motor car, or automobile, even a goods vehicle. 

  • A source of power for something; an inspiration; a driving force. 

  • Any protein capable of converting chemical energy into mechanical work. 

verb
  • To rotate a jet engine or turboprop using the engine's starter, without introducing fuel into the engine. 

  • To progress at a brisk pace. 

  • To leave. 

adj
  • Relating to motor cars. 

  • Propelled by an internal combustion engine (as opposed to a steam engine or turbine). 

  • Relating to the ability to move. 

How often have the words black box and motor occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )