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

Muscles are particularly suited for biosyncretic robots, as nature has already spent hundreds of millions of years developing a compact, compliant, and highly efficient actuator. — New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2026

For space robots, Ono describes simplicity in terms of the number of actuators. — IEEE Spectrum, 3 Sep. 2026

Mitchell developed the system by repurposing a six-axis industrial arm with a custom launcher, shuttlecock magazine, pneumatic actuators, and high-speed spinning wheels. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026

Such systems still rely on actuators driven by electricity to apply that force. — ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

actuate + -or entry 1

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for actuator

• creator
• curator
• debater
• deflator
• dictator
• dilator
• equator
• locator
• piscator
• pronator
• relator
• rotator