Locomotive Definition
lōkə-mōtĭv
locomotives
noun
locomotives
An engine that can move about by its own power; esp., an electric, steam, or diesel engine on wheels, designed to push or pull a railroad train.
Webster's New World
A driving or pulling force; an impetus.
American Heritage
Synonyms:
- railway locomotive
- locomotive engine
- engine
- iron-horse
- diesel
- freight locomotive
- wood-burner
- diesel locomotive
- steam-engine
- electric locomotive
- passenger locomotive
adjective
Of locomotion.
Webster's New World
Moving or capable of moving from one place to another; not stationary.
Webster's New World
Serving to put into motion or propel forward.
American Heritage
Able to move independently from place to place.
American Heritage
Designating or of engines that move under their own power.
Locomotive design.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
- vehicular
- transportational
- self-moved
- horseless
- biomechanical
- automotive
- self-drive
- locomotor
- automechanical
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Other Word Forms of Locomotive
Noun
Singular:
locomotive
Plural:
locomotivesOrigin of Locomotive
-
Pertaining to movement from French locomotif (feminine locomotive), from Latin loco from a place (ablativus of locus place) + Vulgar Latin motivus moving (see motive)
From Wiktionary
-
Latin locō from a place ablative of locus place Medieval Latin mōtīvus causing motion motive
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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