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automotor

self-propelled railcar

noun ow-toh-moh-TOHR Rare
Travel & Places Transportation

Origin: From auto- ('self') + motor ('engine'), calqued on French automoteur.

Also means

motorized vehicle

Usage Note

Automotor in railway contexts refers to a self-propelled passenger railcar or diesel multiple unit (DMU) — essentially a train that does not require a separate locomotive. In broader technical usage it can mean any self-propelled machine. The adjective form automotriz (f) appears in phrases like fuerza automotriz ('motive force').

Examples

"El automotor llegó puntual a la estación."

Natural Translation

The railcar arrived on time at the station.

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