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.

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Example Sentences

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

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

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

The zoo’s report on the youngster’s efforts at locomotion seem to depict a young animal’s slow approach to self-propulsion.

From Washington Post

"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