perpetual motion machine
Forever-running fantasy device
A perpetual motion machine is a hypothetical device that would operate indefinitely without an external energy source, or produce more energy than it consumes.
The laws of thermodynamics make such machines impossible, yet inventors have pursued them for centuries.
The term often appears figuratively for any scheme promising something for nothing: His business plan was basically a perpetual motion machine.
- quixoticImpractically pursuing lofty goals
- pipe dreamUnrealistic aspiration
- impossibilityState of being unachievable
- spinRapid rotation around axis
- conservation of energyEnergy transforms, never vanishes
too good to be true · laws of physics · thermodynamics · wheel · science fiction · alchemy · gear · theoretical model · frictionless · paradox · closed system · patent office · Rube Goldberg · kinetic energy · hum · timelessness · gear systems · idealization
- sci-fi techteleporter, time travel, cryonics, force fields, mind uploading
perpetual motion machinesteam engine
Thermal vapor motor
internal combustion engine · applied physics · electric motor · heat engine
perpetual motion machinestill
Unmoving, or continuing
motionless · inert · at rest · stationary
perpetual, perpetually, perpetuate, perpetuated, perpetuating, perpetuation, perpetuity, motion, motions