locomotive
noun
- motive power unit for a train
adjective
- pertaining to locomotion
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˌləʊkəˈməʊtɪv/ / /ˌloʊkəˈmoʊtɪv/
adj
Etymology: From French locomotif, from Latin locō (literally “from a place”) (ablative of locus (“place”)) + Vulgar Latin mōtivus (“moving”) (see motive). In the rail transport sense, ellipsis of locomotive (steam) engine, attested from 1814.
- Of or relating to locomotion.
- Of or relating to the power unit of a train which does not carry passengers or freight itself.
- Moving, or capable of motion.
“Pindar seems to imply that these figures were actually locomotive automata.”
noun
Etymology: From French locomotif, from Latin locō (literally “from a place”) (ablative of locus (“place”)) + Vulgar Latin mōtivus (“moving”) (see motive). In the rail transport sense, ellipsis of locomotive (steam) engine, attested from 1814.
- The power unit of a train that pulls the coaches or wagons.
“As on all other British Railways standard locomotives to date, the lubrication of motion pins and reversing gear is by grease nipple and gun.”
- A traction engine.
- A cheer characterized by a slow beginning and a progressive increase in speed.
- Any of various early road vehicles, steam-powered, etc., forerunners of the modern car.
- A country which drives the world economy by having a high level of imports, such as the United States.