locomotion
UK: ˌləʊkəˈməʊʃ(ə)n | US: ˌloʊkəˈmoʊʃ(ə)n
n. the ability or act of moving from one place to another
n. (biology) self-powered movement by an organism
Derived from Latin locus (place) + motio (movement), "locomotion" literally means "movement from place to place." The term emerged in the 17th century to describe mechanical motion (e.g., trains) and later biological movement (e.g., animals). The morpheme loco- preserves its Latin root meaning "place," while -motion reflects the action of moving. The word’s logic mirrors its function—combining spatial and kinetic concepts.
The robot’s locomotion mimics the gait of a spider.
Wheelchairs provide assisted locomotion for individuals with mobility impairments.
Biologists study the locomotion of microorganisms under microscopes.
Steam engines revolutionized land locomotion in the 19th century.
Fish rely on fin undulation for aquatic locomotion.