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

Part of China’s edge comes from having faced its own actuator bottleneck less than a decade ago, Jonas noted.

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

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

From BBC ● Feb. 5, 2026

He struggled with his vulcanized suit, trying to squeeze from under the actuator.

From Tight Squeeze by Dean Charles Ing

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