— locomotively , adv. — locomotiveness, locomotivity , n.
/loh'keuh moh"tiv/ , n.
1. a self-propelled, vehicular engine, powered by steam, a diesel, or electricity, for pulling or, sometimes, pushing a train or individual railroad cars.
2. an organized group cheer, usually led by a cheerleader, as at a football or basketball game, that begins slowly and progressively increases in speed in such a way as to suggest a steam locomotive.
3. Archaic. any self-propelled vehicle.
adj.
4. of or pertaining to locomotives.
5. of, pertaining to, or aiding in locomotion or movement from place to place: the locomotive powers of most animals.
6. moving or traveling by means of its own mechanism or powers.
7. serving to produce such movement; adapted for or used in locomotion: locomotive organs.
8. having the power of locomotion: an animal that is locomotive at birth.
[ 1605-15; loco, abl. of locus place + MOTIVE (adj.); cf. ML in loco moveri to change position ]