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Glite Dictionary
wiper motor

wiper motor

3.7
A small electric machine that moves the blades that clean a car's front window
  • noun
  • /ˈwaɪpər ˈmoʊtər/
translation icon : motor del limpiaparabrisas
  • The wiper motor stopped working during the storm, making it hard to see through the windshield.
  • windshield wiper motor

Examples

  • The wiper motor stopped working during the rain.

  • I need to replace the wiper motor in my car.

  • If your wiper motor is making a strange noise, it might be time for a replacement.

  • Replacing a faulty wiper motor can usually be done with some basic tools and a little patience.

  • The mechanic replaced the broken wiper motor to ensure the windshield wipers functioned properly.

  • When it rains, the wiper motor activates automatically to clear the driver's view.

  • To fix the flickering wipers, he tested the wiper motor for any electrical issues.

How Effective

to squeegee
1 6.0
windshield wiper
  • US
9 2.3
wiper motor
3.7

Surface Forms

wiper motor singular
wiper motors plural

Morphology

wiper + motor

The compound noun is transparently built from 'wiper' (device that clears rain from glass) + 'motor' (device producing mechanical motion), so its meaning as the motor that drives the wipers follows directly from the constituents. This noun+noun composition is a common and regular English pattern (and cross-linguistically frequent), so a B1 learner who knows both words can readily infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

The compound noun wiper motor is very literal: it is the motor that moves the wipers across the car's windshield to 'clear' rain and snow, so it means 'an electric motor that drives the windshield wipers'.