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
Replicating cardiac contraction A key innovation in this model is the use of McKibben actuators placed inside the heart muscle walls.
—
Munis Raza, Interesting Engineering, 5 Mar. 2026
Now, hardware costs have more than halved as China achieved manufacturing dominance in adjacent industries like electric vehicles, which have spurred innovations and economies of scale in components that overlap with robots, including actuators, sensors, and batteries.
—Eric Schmidt, Time, 3 Mar. 2026
Until the engine builds oil pressure, the actuator will cause a rattle.
—John Paul, The Providence Journal, 20 Feb. 2026
While older torque vectoring systems use the brakes to balance power between wheels, Audi’s setup here is active, using an electric motor actuator to make huge power deltas between the left and right wheels if necessary.
—Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for actuator
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Munis Raza, Interesting Engineering, 5 Mar. 2026
Now, hardware costs have more than halved as China achieved manufacturing dominance in adjacent industries like electric vehicles, which have spurred innovations and economies of scale in components that overlap with robots, including actuators, sensors, and batteries.
—Eric Schmidt, Time, 3 Mar. 2026
Until the engine builds oil pressure, the actuator will cause a rattle.
—John Paul, The Providence Journal, 20 Feb. 2026
While older torque vectoring systems use the brakes to balance power between wheels, Audi’s setup here is active, using an electric motor actuator to make huge power deltas between the left and right wheels if necessary.
—Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for actuator
Cite this Entry
“Actuator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/actuator. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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