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

Called Supertorquer, the device is expected to become the most powerful magnetic actuator ever flown. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026

But China's dominance in rare earths, used in the actuators and motors of humanoid robots, gives the country's players significant leverage over global peers, said Dien Wang, an analyst at Bernstein. — Elaine Yu,anniek Bao, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026

Digit’s proprietary cycloidal actuators in its hips and knees give it the strength and dynamic stability to react without dropping a payload or falling over. — John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

The machine works using a series of gears, magnetic actuators, and arms in a mechanical structure split into the equivalent of a musician's fretting hand and picking hand. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 9 Aug. 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