HP

HP, or horsepower, is a unit of measurement used to express the power output of engines and motors. One horsepower is defined as the ability to do 550 foot-pounds of work per second, which roughly equates to the power needed to lift 550 pounds one foot in one second. The term was popularized by James Watt in the 18th century to compare steam engines to horses, which were common sources of power at the time. In everyday use, higher horsepower indicates a more powerful engine, making vehicles capable of faster speeds and better acceleration.