traction-engine
Definition
- Noun:
- A steam-powered vehicle: A "traction-engine" is a self-propelled steam engine used for hauling heavy loads on roads or farmlands, typically in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is distinct from a locomotive, which runs on rails.
Usage Examples
- (A steam-powered vehicle for agricultural hauling.)
- (A historical steam vehicle on display.)
Advanced Usage
"to drive a traction-engine": to operate or control a traction-engine.
- He learned to drive a traction-engine from his grandfather, who had worked on the farm. (He acquired the skill of operating a steam-powered hauler.)
"traction-engine rally": a gathering or event where traction-engines are displayed and demonstrated.
- The annual traction-engine rally attracted enthusiasts from across the country. (A meeting for showcasing and running steam vehicles.)
Variants and Related Words
Traction (noun): the act of pulling or drawing; the grip of a wheel or tire on a surface.
- The tires lost traction on the icy road. (The grip was insufficient for movement.)
Engine (noun): a machine that converts energy into mechanical force or motion.
- The car's engine roared to life. (The motor started.)
Synonyms
- Steam tractor: a traction-engine specifically used for agricultural purposes.
- Road locomotive: a historical term for a self-propelled steam vehicle for road use.
Phrasal Verbs
Steam up: (of a traction-engine) to build up steam pressure in the boiler.
- The crew spent an hour steaming up the traction-engine before the parade. (Preparing the engine by heating the boiler.)
Hitch to: to attach a load or implement to a traction-engine for pulling.
- They hitched a threshing machine to the traction-engine. (Connected the load for hauling.)
Related Idioms
- Full steam ahead: to proceed with maximum effort or speed.
- With the traction-engine ready, they went full steam ahead into the harvest. (They worked energetically and without delay.)