actuator

American  

[ak-choo-ey-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

Example Sentences

"It's been investigated for many years," says Read, acknowledging that elastomers have yet to revolutionise actuator tech.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 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

For one thing, that requires a back-driveable actuator.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

This focused contraction allowed the muscle to pull the posts much closer together -- five times closer -- compared with previous muscle actuator designs.

From Science Daily • Apr. 8, 2024

Obviously, the actuator had smashed his transmitter, but left the receiver section intact.

From Tight Squeeze by Ing, Dean Charles