1 locomotion | Definition of locomotion

locomotion

noun
lo·​co·​mo·​tion | \ ˌlō-kə-ˈmō-shən How to pronounce locomotion (audio) \

Definition of locomotion

1 : an act or the power of moving from place to place
2 : travel interest in free locomotion and choice of occupation— Zechariah Chafee Jr.

Examples of locomotion in a Sentence

Walking is one form of locomotion.

Recent Examples on the Web

Much recent effort also focuses on finding biomarkers for TNTs to distinguish them from similar-looking structures like filopodia, long cellular protrusions that are used for sensing and locomotion. Quanta Magazine, "Cells Talk and Help One Another via Tiny Tube Networks," 23 Apr. 2018 Instead, their locomotion depends on the coordinated expansion and contraction of different body segments. John Timmer, Ars Technica, "Researchers make a robotic fish with a battery for blood," 19 June 2019 With the unnamed canine making his memorable cameo, the first concerto is animated by simple but affecting moments of locomotion: recurring walking paces inflected by felicitous hesitation steps artfully in phase with Bach’s pulsing music. Robert Greskovic, WSJ, "‘The Six Brandenburg Concertos’ Review: Falling Short of Bach," 5 Oct. 2018 The Aerial-Biped isn't designed to walk as its primary means of locomotion but rather to simulate gaits that are beyond the scope of current bipedal robots. Eric Limer, Popular Mechanics, "This Walking Robot Cuts Corners By Just Flying," 16 Aug. 2018 The team created colonies with specific mutations—like varied size and locomotion—and compared them to a control group of bacteria. Meilan Solly, Smithsonian, "This Vibrant Bacteria Could Be Used to “Grow” Iridescent Paint in Any Color," 22 Feb. 2018 Here is a process of locomotion that is absolutely at her command. Aaron Gilbreath, Longreads, "The Wheel, the Woman, and the Human Body," 6 July 2018 Such autonomous decision about locomotion according to the environment is very interesting research. Dani Deahl, The Verge, "This flying ‘dragon’ drone can change shape in midair," 28 June 2018 Also a combination of planticular locomotion, hind feet that can swivel, and extremely creepy/dextrous little fingers. Michael Andor Brodeur, BostonGlobe.com, "From a flipping pancake house to an overstuffed bot," 15 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'locomotion.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of locomotion

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for locomotion

Latin locus + English motion

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More Definitions for locomotion

locomotion

noun

English Language Learners Definition of locomotion

technical : the act or power of moving from place to place

locomotion

noun
lo·​co·​mo·​tion | \ ˌlō-kə-ˈmō-shən How to pronounce locomotion (audio) \

Kids Definition of locomotion

: the act or power of moving from place to place

locomotion

noun
lo·​co·​mo·​tion | \ ˌlō-kə-ˈmō-shən How to pronounce locomotion (audio) \

Medical Definition of locomotion

: an act or the power of moving from place to place : progressive movement (as of an animal body)

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