a. and sb. [f. as prec. + MOTIVE a.]

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  A.  adj. Pertaining to electromotion. Electromotive force: originally, the force exhibited in the voltaic battery; in mod. use, the difference of potential which is the cause of electric currents.

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1806.  Davy, in Phil. Trans., XCVII. 46. Permanent electromotive power.

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1810.  Henry, Elem. Chem. (1826), I. 187. Zinc and copper plates … by their electromotive power.

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1833.  N. Arnott, Physics, II. (1865), 624. The electrical excitement, called also the electromotive force, produced in voltaic arrangements.

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1878.  M. Foster, Physiol., I. ii. § 2. 49. The electromotive force of the sciatic nerve of a frog.

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1882.  Minchin, Unipl. Kinemat., 220. The sum of the sudden changes of potential, Δ1+Δ2 … is called the Electromotive Force between A and B.

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  B.  sb. [after locomotive.] A locomotive engine of which the motive power is electricity.

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1887.  Engineer, 29 July, 95. The electro-motive consists of an angle iron frame supporting three platforms.

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