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locomotive
Definitions
(2)
1
noun
A
powered
rail
vehicle
used
for
pulling
trains
.
The
locomotive
chugged
along
the
tracks
,
pulling
a
long
line
of
freight
cars
.
Steam
locomotives
were
once
the
backbone
of
the
railway
industry
.
The
engineer
climbed
into
the
locomotive
to
start
the
journey
.
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2
adjective
Relating
to
movement
or
the
ability
to
move
.
The
locomotive
muscles
are
essential
for
walking
and
running
.
In
biology
,
locomotive
abilities
are
crucial
for
survival
.
The
study
focused
on
the
locomotive
patterns
of
different
animals
.
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Word Origin
Language
Latin
Original word
loco (from a place) + motivus (causing motion)
Word parts
loco (from a place) + motivus (causing motion)
Originally meant
moving from one place to another
Background
The term 'locomotive' was first used in the early 19th century to describe engines that moved independently, as opposed to stationary engines. It became closely associated with rail transport as steam engines were developed to pull trains.