locomotive

Meaning

Noun

1. The power unit of a train that pulls the coaches or wagons.
2. A traction engine.
3. (slang) A cheer characterized by a slow beginning and a progressive increase in speed.
4. Any of various early road vehicles, steam-powered, etc., forerunners of the modern car.
5. A country which drives the world economy by having a high level of imports, such as the United States.

Adj

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.
3. Moving, or capable of motion.

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˌloʊkəˈmoʊtɪv/

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.