actuator

American  

[ak-choo-ay-ter] / ˈæk tʃuˌeɪ tər /

noun

1. a person or thing that actuates.

2. a servomechanism that supplies and transmits a measured amount of energy for the operation of another mechanism or system.

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Etymology

Origin of actuator

First recorded in 1860–65; actuate + -or ²

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

actuator

He also highlighted several “chokepoints” for scaling U.S. actuator production for robotics at scale, each of which bring their own challenges.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 2, 2026

They cited the missile’s distinctive fins, which are fixed in place, and the actuator motors as matching footage previously aired by Chinese state television of drills involving the weapon.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026

“Many key humanoid components are also found within the EV ecosystem, such as motors, actuator power electronics, magnets and advanced motion-control bearings,” wrote Sheppard.

From Barron's ● Jun. 1, 2026

"The actuator is composed of a motor controller and reduction gears. It is very similar to an electric power steering system," says Se Uk Oh, vice president leading the robotics business division at Hyundai Mobis.

From BBC ● Feb. 5, 2026

The "internal controller," the actuator of all spirits, according to the text: Who abiding in the soul, rules the soul within.

From The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha Review of the Different Systems of Hindu Philosophy by Madhava Acharya

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