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

One risk belongs in every model: High-torque actuators depend on rare-earth magnets, and China controls roughly 90% of magnet processing, a chokepoint that recent export-licensing changes have already made twitchy.

From MarketWatch • Jul. 1, 2026

To investigate further, the researchers focused on a widely used material found in sensors, actuators, and defense systems, a lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate alloy.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

Robots mean more business for nearly every company that makes semiconductors, actuators, batteries, and motors.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

Supplying actuators could create a new annual revenue stream of $465 million-$930 million for the car-component maker by 2028, the analysts estimate.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 24, 2026

Built into the inside of the suit was a weblike network of miniature actuators that made contact with my skin every few centimeters.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline