Definition of: motion

(mō′shən) noun
1. Change of position in reference to an assumed point or center; a shifting movement.
2. The interaction of parts in a mechanism to produce a particular result.
3. A formal proposition in a deliberative assembly.
4. A significant movement of the limbs, eyes, etc.; a gesture: She made motions to him.
5. An impulse to action; incentive.
6. Music Melodic progression.
7. Law An application to a court to obtain an order or rule directing some act to be done.
8. A mechanism.
9. Obs. A puppet or puppet show.
—perpetual motion Continuous mechanical motion, especially as applied to machines which are claimed to do useful work without the expenditure of equivalent amounts of work upon them.
—v.i. To make a gesture of direction or intent, as with the hand.
—v.t. To direct or guide by a gesture. [<F <L motio, -onis <motus, pp. of movere move]
—mo′tion·al adjective
—mo′tion·less adjective
—mo′tion·less·ly adverb Synonyms (noun): act, action, change, move, movement, passage, transit, transition. Motion may be either abstract or concrete, more frequently the former; movement is always concrete, that is, considered in connection with the thing that moves or is moved; thus we speak of the movements of the planets, but of the laws of planetary motion; of military movements, but of perpetual motion. Motion is change of place or position in space; transition is a passing from one point or position in space to another. Move is used chiefly of contests or competition, as in chess or politics: as, It is your move; a shrewd move of the opposition. We speak of mental or spiritual acts or processes, or of the laws of mental action, but a formal proposal of action in a deliberative assembly is termed a motion. Action is a more comprehensive word than motion. See ACT, TOPIC. Antonyms: quiescence, quiet, repose, rest.