The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word ENGINE
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
E
N
G
I
N
E
More clues leading to the result ENGINE
- In short form just ringing Geneva’s source of power
- Source of power needing to work out of centre
- Motor spirit in European North-east
- Motor part needing to be repaired, middle part having dropped out
- Machine has some benign effects arising
- English soldier’s news about European war machine
- English fiancée regularly crashed motor
- English item of ordnance, excluding first machine
- Motor found on fire, perhaps
- England’s a member of European power source
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "locomotive" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case locomotive = engine.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ENGINE mean?
ENGINE noun- A large construction used in warfare, such as a battering ram, catapult etc.
- A tool; a utensil or implement.
- A complex mechanical device which converts energy into useful motion or physical effects.
- A person or group of people which influence a larger group; a driving force.
- The part of a car or other vehicle which provides the force for motion, now especially one powered by internal combustion.
- A self-powered vehicle, especially a locomotive, used for pulling cars along a track.
- A software or hardware system responsible for a specific technical task (usually with qualifying word).
- Ingenuity; cunning, trickery, guile.
- The result of cunning; something ingenious, a contrivance; (in negative senses) a plot, a scheme.
- Natural talent; genius.
- Anything used to effect a purpose; any device or contrivance; an agent.
- To equip with an engine; said especially of steam vessels.
- To assault with an engine.
- To contrive; to put into action.
- To rack; to torture.