propulsive, a. (n.)
(prəʊˈpʌlsɪv)
[f. L. prōpuls-, ppl. stem of prōpellĕre to propel + -ive.]
† 1. Having the power, quality, or tendency to drive off or away; expulsive. Obs. rare.
| 1648 Regall Apol. 23 London-Treacle is of a temperate nature, and propulsive of Venome from the Heart. 1650 Bulwer Anthropomet. 193 Children..having then no further need for that propulsive cause. |
2. Having the quality of propelling, or the tendency to propel; that drives or urges forward or onward.
| 1758 W. Battie Madness v. 30 The propulsive action of the heart. 1874 Carpenter Ment. Phys. i. ii. §30 (1879) 30 The propulsive movement of the foot in walking. 1893 Fairbairn Christ in Mod. Theol. i. ii. i. vi. 227 An immanent, yet ever⁓active, impulsive and propulsive being maintaining his society. |
b. n. A propulsive agent or principle.
| 1834 Tait's Mag. I. 38 Misery, fun, folly, fame, honour,..and all the host of propulsives, which to name even would be to fill divers pages. |