Definition

1. Noun:
   • A railway locomotive powered by a diesel engine: A diesel locomotive is a self-propelled vehicle that moves along railway tracks, using a diesel engine as its primary source of power. The engine typically drives an electrical generator or a hydraulic transmission system to turn the wheels.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The old diesel locomotive was retired and placed in a museum.
  • Modern freight trains are often pulled by powerful diesel locomotives.
  • The efficiency of the diesel locomotive made it a standard for non-electrified railways.

Advanced Usage

• "Diesel-electric locomotive": A common type of diesel locomotive where the diesel engine drives an electrical generator, which in turn powers electric traction motors on the axles.
  • The diesel-electric locomotive is the most prevalent design for mainline service.

Variants and Related Words

• Diesel-electric (adj/n): Pertaining to or describing a diesel-electric locomotive.
  • The diesel-electric system provides excellent control over traction.
• Diesel-hydraulic locomotive (n): A locomotive where the diesel engine drives a hydraulic transmission.
  • Diesel-hydraulic locomotives were more common in some European countries.

Synonyms

• Diesel engine locomotive: A locomotive with a diesel engine.
• Diesel-powered locomotive: A locomotive powered by a diesel engine.

Related Phrases

• "To operate a diesel locomotive": To drive or control a diesel locomotive.
  • He was trained to operate a diesel locomotive.
• "Diesel locomotive shed": A depot or building for housing and maintaining diesel locomotives.
  • The locomotive was serviced at the diesel locomotive shed.

Noun

1. a locomotive driven by a diesel engine