actuator
noun
ac·tu·a·tor
ˈak-chə-ˌwā-tər 
-shə-
: one that actuates
specifically
: a mechanical device for moving or controlling something
Examples of actuator in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
More than 30 years later, engineers have certainly made progress, but robots are still power-hungry machines packed with sensors, actuators and processors.
—
The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 29 Aug. 2023
By packing the car with more actuators and sensors, the driving dynamics can be better monitored and more fine-tuned, theoretically providing the driver with more feedback.
—Eric Stafford, Car and Driver, 18 Aug. 2023
Which meant designing a system with soft actuators and sensors to replicate muscles and nerves within the body, and a support structure to represent the skeleton.
—IEEE Spectrum, 11 Aug. 2023
Kia dealers will inspect and replace the hydraulic clutch actuator as necessary and install a new fuse, free of charge.
—Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 7 Aug. 2023
The top's cylinders and actuators were also replaced under previous ownership, as were several repair items.
—Matthew Skwarczek, Car and Driver, 28 July 2023
The robot is surprisingly light—around 6 kilograms—considering that this includes its onboard computers, sensors, communication devices, joint actuators, propulsion motors, power electronics, and battery.
—IEEE Spectrum, 2 July 2023
This research focuses on the design of a novel hybrid gripper that enables versatile grasping and throwing manipulation with a single actuator.
—IEEE Spectrum, 28 Apr. 2023
Paoli’s latest Hurricane 2.0 features an electronic actuator to change the direction in which the gun spins.
—Matt Crisara, Popular Mechanics, 30 Mar. 2023
See More
The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 29 Aug. 2023
By packing the car with more actuators and sensors, the driving dynamics can be better monitored and more fine-tuned, theoretically providing the driver with more feedback.
—Eric Stafford, Car and Driver, 18 Aug. 2023
Which meant designing a system with soft actuators and sensors to replicate muscles and nerves within the body, and a support structure to represent the skeleton.
—IEEE Spectrum, 11 Aug. 2023
Kia dealers will inspect and replace the hydraulic clutch actuator as necessary and install a new fuse, free of charge.
—Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 7 Aug. 2023
The top's cylinders and actuators were also replaced under previous ownership, as were several repair items.
—Matthew Skwarczek, Car and Driver, 28 July 2023
The robot is surprisingly light—around 6 kilograms—considering that this includes its onboard computers, sensors, communication devices, joint actuators, propulsion motors, power electronics, and battery.
—IEEE Spectrum, 2 July 2023
This research focuses on the design of a novel hybrid gripper that enables versatile grasping and throwing manipulation with a single actuator.
—IEEE Spectrum, 28 Apr. 2023
Paoli’s latest Hurricane 2.0 features an electronic actuator to change the direction in which the gun spins.
—Matt Crisara, Popular Mechanics, 30 Mar. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'actuator.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
First Known Use
1652, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near actuator
Cite this Entry
“Actuator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/actuator. Accessed 30 Sep. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on actuator
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for actuator
Britannica English: Translation of actuator for Arabic Speakers
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