locomotive
locomotive Lexical Profile
locomotive Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A powered railway vehicle used for pulling trains, traditionally driven by steam, diesel, or electricity.
"The restored steam locomotive chugged steadily up the steep mountain pass, trailing a plume of white smoke."
A powerful driving force or principal engine that propels progress, activity, or an economy forward.
"Small businesses and entrepreneurial startups are often considered the locomotive of the local economy."
• adjective
Relating to movement or the ability to move from one place to another.
"The physical therapist focused on exercises to restore the patient's locomotive functions after the severe injury."
• Rhymes for locomotive
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the early 17th century from Modern Latin 'loco motivus' (moving from a place), combining Latin 'locus' (place) and 'motivus' (moving). It was originally used as an adjective and later applied as a noun to railway engines in the early 19th century.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.