actuator

noun

ac·​tu·​a·​tor ˈak-chə-ˌwā-tər How to pronounce actuator (audio)
-shə-
: one that actuates
specifically : a mechanical device for moving or controlling something

Examples of actuator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web If the primary steering actuator experiences any type of failure, the steering system seamlessly switches to the secondary actuator to maintain full control without compromising the vehicle dynamics. Richard Bishop, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 Small electrical currents heat and cool the wires, allowing the actuators to move their fins or limbs as fast as 40 times a second while also lifting over 150 times their weight. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 18 Jan. 2024 Mobile manipulators – Mobile autonomous robots like those in used warehouses to move inventory are increasingly being fitted with arms and actuators to add flexibility to work done on either end of a trip. Kevin O'Marah, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 The piezoelectric transducer material requires only one millimeter of enclosure thickness, compared to several millimeters for dynamic speakers or linear resonant actuators, enabling a new generation of thinner handheld devices. IEEE Spectrum, 11 Feb. 2024 Their sensors and actuators are distributed in the environment. Bruce Schneier, WIRED, 8 Jan. 2024 The component SpaceX will replace is apparently one of these actuators. Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 16 Nov. 2023 Haptic generators in handsets typically are linear resonant actuators, which are electrically and mechanically like speakers but are optimized to create low-frequency vibrations in a solid rather than sound waves in the air. IEEE Spectrum, 11 Feb. 2024 Instead, the Oh! uses the same linear resonant actuator (LRA) motor as a PlayStation controller. Victoria Song, The Verge, 12 Jan. 2024

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

actuate + -or entry 1

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of actuator was in 1652

Dictionary Entries Near actuator

Cite this Entry

“Actuator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/actuator. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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