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

Borrowing from nature By reusing its body parts for dual roles, the design team stripped the robot down to just three actuators and three primary sensors. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026

The third is a network of syringe-injectable implants, each packing two receiving pads, a transistor switch, a battery, and either a sensor or an actuator such as a nerve stimulator. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 30 Sep. 2026

In the rat, sensors worn on the front paws reported to a wearable hub, and the actuator was a stimulator hooked up to the sciatic nerve in the hind leg. — Peter Hall, Scientific American, 29 Sep. 2026

Vehicle architecture covers compute, sensors, actuators, networks and energy systems. — Rajjie Sarmey, Forbes.com, 25 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