Locomotive (en. Locomotive)

/lɔ.ko.mɔ.tiv/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
A device that pulls or pushes cars on a railway track.
The black locomotive arrived at the station.
La locomotive noire est arrivée en gare.
A machine that produces energy for rail transport.
Steam locomotives were common in the 19th century.
Les locomotives à vapeur étaient courantes au XIXe siècle.
A person who drives or motivates a group towards a common goal.
She is the driving force behind our development project.
Elle est la locomotive de notre projet de développement.

Etymology

From the Latin 'locus' meaning place and 'movere' meaning to move.

Common Phrases and Expressions

engine of growth
Refers to an element or sector that drives economic growth.
locomotive de la croissance
to be the driving force
To be at the forefront or to lead a group.
être la locomotive
steam locomotive
A steam-powered locomotive.
locomotive à vapeur

Related Words

train
Means of transport consisting of connected cars.
train
railway
Infrastructure on which trains run.
chemin de fer
traction
Force that allows a vehicle to move.
traction

Slang Meanings

Used to refer to a dynamic person who drives others.
Léa is the driving force of the group, always motivated.
Léa est la locomotive de la bande, toujours motivée.
In sports, refers to a key player who propels the team forward.
This player is truly the driving force of our team.
Ce joueur est vraiment la locomotive de notre équipe.