Locomotive

Pronunciation

• Gen IPA: /ËŒloÊŠkəˈmoÊŠtiv/
• RP IPA: /ËŒləʊkəʊˈməʊtiv/

Full definition of locomotive

Noun

1. (rail transport) The power unit of a train which does not carry passengers or freight itself, but pulls the coaches or rail cars or wagons.
2. (rare) A traction engine
3. (slang) A cheer characterized by a slow beginning and a progressive increase in speed
4. (economics) A country which drives the world economy by having a high level of imports. (i.e. The United States).

Usage notes

Sometimes erroneously used as a synonym for train.

Origin

Pertaining to movement from French language locomotif (feminine locomotive), from Latin loco from a place (ablativus of locus place) + motivus moving (see motive)

Adjective

1. of or relating to locomotion
2. of or relating to the power unit of a train which does not carry passengers or freight itself