element used extensively in 20c. word formation to indicate motorcar.
Entries linking to motor-
motorcar n.
also motor-car, "horseless carriage, wheeled vehicle which carries its own propelling mechanism," 1895 from motor (n.) + car.
motel n.
1925, coined from motor- + hotel. Originally a hotel for automobile travelers.
The Milestone Interstate Corporation ... proposes to build and operate a chain of motor hotels between San Diego and Seattle, the hotels to have the name 'Motel.' ["Hotel Monthly," March 1925]