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self-propulsion

American  
[self-pruh-puhl-shuhn, self-] / ˈsɛlf prəˈpʌl ʃən, ˌsɛlf- /

noun

  1. propulsion by a vehicle's own engine, motor, or the like.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Whereas biological microbes have evolved to swim efficiently, understanding the mechanisms behind self-propulsion is required to also design efficient artificial microswimmers.

From Science Daily • Oct. 12, 2023

Whereas many models so far treated microswimmers as if they were pulled or dragged along by an external force, the new model focuses on the energy required for self-propulsion of the microswimmer.

From Science Daily • Oct. 12, 2023

For someone globally famous for the art of maneuvering through self-propulsion, he sure likes the feel of an engine and the sense of speed.

From New York Times • Jul. 23, 2021

"It required self-propulsion and diligence that I had never really come up against, because there's just no one else in the room."

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 29, 2015

How do the great minds generate this glorious means of self-propulsion?

From Laugh and Live by Fairbanks, Douglas

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