locomotor: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “locomotor” mean?
Relating to or affecting locomotion (the ability to move from place to place).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to or affecting locomotion (the ability to move from place to place).
Pertaining to the bodily systems, apparatus, or neural structures responsible for movement and coordination. Used in medical, biological, and engineering contexts to describe movement-related functions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical technical connotation in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “locomotor” in a Sentence
Adjective + noun (locomotor + system)Used attributively (locomotor)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “locomotor” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The patient showed marked improvement in locomotor function after the physiotherapy.
- Research focuses on the neural circuits underlying locomotor behaviour in insects.
American English
- The accident caused severe damage to his locomotor system.
- Assessing locomotor activity is a key part of the rodent study.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in biology, neuroscience, physiology, and physical therapy literature. e.g., 'The study examined locomotor recovery after spinal injury.'
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would likely be replaced by simpler terms like 'movement' or 'walking'.
Technical
Core usage. Precisely describes systems or disorders involving movement. e.g., 'locomotor ataxia', 'robotic locomotor patterns'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “locomotor”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “locomotor”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “locomotor”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'He is a locomotor').
- Using it in informal contexts where 'movement' would suffice.
- Mispronunciation: stressing the first syllable ('LO-co-mo-tor') instead of the third.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specialised, low-frequency word used almost exclusively in medical, biological, and technical contexts.
No, it is almost exclusively an adjective. The related noun is 'locomotion'.
'Motor' is broader, relating to motion or causing motion (e.g., motor skills, motor neuron). 'Locomotor' is more specific, relating specifically to the act of moving the whole body from place to place.
In British English: /ˌləʊkəˈməʊtə/. In American English: /ˌloʊkəˈmoʊtər/. The main stress is on the third syllable ('mo').
Relating to or affecting locomotion (the ability to move from place to place).
Locomotor is usually formal, technical in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LOCOMOTIVE (train engine) which moves/motives things. LOCOMO-TOR is related to moving the body.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A VEHICLE / MACHINE (e.g., the locomotor apparatus as the engine and chassis).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'locomotor' MOST appropriately used?