[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

motive \mo"tive\, a.
   causing motion; having power to move, or tending to move; as,
   a motive argument; motive power. "motive faculty." --bp.
   wilkins.
   1913 webster

   motive power mach., a natural agent, as water, steam,
      wind, electricity, etc., used to impart motion to
      machinery; a motor; a mover.
      1913 webster
see also:
motive power 

[2] : WordNet (r) 2.0

motive power
     n : the power or ability to move syn: locomotion, motivity
see also:
locomotion motivity 

[3] : Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0

60 moby thesaurus words for "motive power":
   activator, animator, appliance, arouser, bunt, butt, clout,
   compulsion, convenience, drive, driving force, energizer, engine,
   enginery, facility, fixture, human dynamo, impellent,
   impelling force, impetus, impulse, impulsion, incentive,
   incitement, irresistible force, life, locomotion, machine,
   machinery, mechanical aid, mechanical device, mechanism, mobility,
   moment, momentum, motility, motivating force, motivity, motor,
   movableness, power, power plant, power source, propelling,
   propelment, propulsion, pulsion, push, pushing, restorative, shove,
   shoving, shunt, spark plug, stimulant, stimulator, stimulus,
   thrust, tonic, utility

Motive >> M Words
Motive, definition of term: Motive
motive_pag1.html

Legal Power >> L Words
Legal Power, definition of term: Legal Power
legal+power_pag1.html

Nuclear Power >> N Words
Nuclear Power, definition of term: Nuclear Power
nuclear+power_pag1.html

Leading Motive >> L Words
Leading Motive, definition of term: Leading Motive
leading+motive_pag1.html

Horse Power >> H Words
Horse Power, definition of term: Horse Power
horse+power_pag1.html

Candle Power >> C Words
Candle Power, definition of term: Candle Power
candle+power_pag1.html

Electric Power >> E Words
Electric Power, definition of term: Electric Power
electric+power_pag1.html

Fourth Power >> F Words
Fourth Power, definition of term: Fourth Power
fourth+power_pag1.html

A Power >> A Words
A Power, definition of term: A Power
a+power_pag1.html