1.
power; motive force; driving force
The energy or force that drives machinery, vehicles, or equipment. Refers to the source of mechanical energy that makes something operate.
蒸気を動力にする。
To use steam as the power source.
この船は風力を動力として利用している。
This ship uses wind power as its driving force.
電気自動車は電池を動力源とし、ガソリンを使わない。
Electric vehicles use batteries as their power source and do not use gasoline.
Common collocations: 動力源 (power source), 動力装置 (power unit/drive system), 動力伝達 (power transmission), 原子力動力 (nuclear power). Often appears in discussions of engines, industrial machinery, and energy technology. Related: エンジン (engine — the mechanical device itself), 馬力 (horsepower — a unit of power), 推進力 (propulsive force — emphasizes forward movement).