steam locomotive definition

English

Etymology

From steam and locomotive.

Pronunciation

• (Gen) IPA^(key): /stiːm ˌloʊkəˈmoʊtiv/
• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /stiːm ˌləʊkəʊˈməʊtiv/

Noun

steam locomotive (plural steam locomotives)

1. (rail transport) A locomotive, usually for use on a railway, that is powered by steam.
   • 1960 February, J. N. Faulkner, “The Belgian Railways today”, in Trains Illustrated, page 86:

     Inevitably the present extent and variety of the Belgian railways will diminish, and within the space of the ten-year plan we can expect to see a modern system concentrated on the main traffic routes like its neighbour in the Netherlands, and with its last steam locomotives and wooden coaches honourably retired to the museum.

Synonyms

• bullgine (US, slang, obsolete)
• steam engine (UK)
• steam loco
• pufferbelly (informal, dated)

Translations

See also

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