locomotory

adjective

lo·​co·​mo·​to·​ry ˌlō-kə-ˈmō-tə-rē How to pronounce locomotory (audio)
1
: locomotor
locomotory appendages
2
: capable of moving independently from place to place
locomotory animals

Examples of locomotory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In response to decreasing barometric pressure, male beetles exhibited decreased locomotory activity in a Y-tube olfactometer with female pheromone extracts. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 7 Oct. 2013 But even amongst these exceptions, a triskelion animal with three locomotory limbs, has never appeared. Grrlscientist, Forbes, 18 May 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'locomotory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of locomotory was circa 1836

Dictionary Entries Near locomotory

Cite this Entry

“Locomotory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/locomotory. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

locomotory

adjective
lo·​co·​mo·​to·​ry ˌlō-kə-ˈmōt-ə-rē How to pronounce locomotory (audio)
1
: locomotor
parasites without locomotory organs
2
: capable of moving independently from place to place
small locomotory animals
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