locomotive
/ˌləʊkəˈməʊtɪv/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌləʊkəˈməʊtɪv/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌlō-kə-ˈmō-tiv/ (ame, mw) · /ˌləʊ.kəˈməʊ.tɪv/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌloʊ.kəˈmoʊ.t̬ɪv/ (ame, ipa)
locomotive — noun
- locomotivesingular
- locomotivesplural
1. the large vehicle at the front of a train that produces power and pulls the trai
the large vehicle at the front of a train that produces power and pulls the train along the railway tracks
The old steam locomotive pulled slowly into the station, releasing a cloud of white smoke.
collocation: steam locomotive
A railway enthusiast named Diego photographed the locomotive as it passed through the countryside.
Nalini watched from the bridge as the freight locomotive hauled fifty cars up the mountain grade.
The station master checked the locomotive's steam pressure before the morning service began.
用法筆記
In everyday conversation, the shorter word 'engine' is often used instead; 'locomotive' is more formal or technical.
常見錯誤
locomotive — adjective
- locomotivepositive
- more locomotivecomparative
- most locomotivesuperlative
1. concerning how a living creature or machine moves from place to place by its own
concerning how a living creature or machine moves from place to place by its own power
The biology students studied the locomotive organs of earthworms under a microscope.
collocation: locomotive organs
Physical therapy helped restore the patient's locomotive functions after the accident.
collocation: locomotive functions
Horses possess remarkable locomotive abilities that allow them to cover long distances.
The engineers designed a small robot whose locomotive system copies the way insects move.
- locomotor
near-synonym used mainly in biology and medicine; e.g., 'locomotor system'
- mobile
broader and more common; simply means able to move, not specifically by own power
- ambulatory
restricted to walking or medical contexts; e.g., 'ambulatory patient'
- sedentary
describes organisms that stay in one place; opposite in biology contexts
用法筆記
Primarily found in technical, biological, and medical writing. In everyday English, 'movement' or 'mobility' are preferred.