locomotive
From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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.[1]
Pronunciation
- (General American) IPA(key): /ˌloʊkəˈmoʊtɪv/
- (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˌləʊkəˈməʊtɪv/
Audio (US): (file)
Noun
locomotive (plural locomotives)
- (rail transport) The power unit of a train that pulls the coaches or wagons.
- Hypernym: rolling stock
- (rare) A traction engine.
- (slang) A cheer characterized by a slow beginning and a progressive increase in speed.
- (archaic) Any of various early road vehicles, steam-powered, etc., forerunners of the modern car.
- (economics) A country which drives the world economy by having a high level of imports, such as the United States.
Synonyms
Derived terms
Translations
self-propelled vehicle that runs on rails
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Adjective
locomotive (comparative more locomotive, superlative most locomotive)
- 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.
Translations
relating to locomotion
|
moving — see moving
References
- Douglas Harper (2001–2024) “locomotive”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.
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