locomotive engine
Học thuậtThân thiện
A large locomotive engine pulls a long line of freight cars along the tracks.
Definition
- Noun:
- A self-propelled railway vehicle: A "locomotive engine" is a powered rail vehicle that provides the motive power for a train. Its primary function is to move itself and pull unpowered cars (wagons or carriages) along railway tracks.
Usage
- The term "locomotive engine" specifically refers to the powered unit that pulls the train. It is often shortened to "locomotive" or, informally, "engine."
- It is used to distinguish the powered vehicle from the unpowered cars it pulls.
Examples
- Noun:
- The steam locomotive engine puffed black smoke as it pulled the long freight train.
- Modern high-speed trains often use electric locomotive engines.
- The museum restored the historic locomotive engine to full working order.
Advanced Usage
- "To be the locomotive engine of...": Used metaphorically to describe something that drives or powers progress in a particular field.
- The tech sector has been the locomotive engine of the country's economic growth.
Variants and Related Words
- Locomotive (n): The more common shortened form of "locomotive engine."
- The locomotive was painted bright red.
- Engine (n): In railway contexts, this is a common informal synonym for "locomotive."
- The engineer climbed into the cab of the engine.
- Railroad locomotive (n): A full, formal synonym.
- Railway locomotive (n): A full, formal synonym, primarily used in British English.
Synonyms
- Locomotive: The standard, shorter synonym.
- Railroad engine: A synonym emphasizing its use on railroads.
- Iron horse: An archaic or poetic term for a steam locomotive.
Related Phrases
- Diesel locomotive: A locomotive powered by a diesel engine.
- Electric locomotive: A locomotive powered by electricity from overhead lines or a third rail.
- Steam locomotive: A locomotive powered by a steam engine.
A large locomotive engine pulls a long line of freight cars along the tracks.
Noun
- a wheeled vehicle consisting of a self-propelled engine that is used to draw trains along railway tracks