armature

American  

[ahr-muh-cher] / ˈɑr mə tʃər /

noun

1. armor.

2. Biology. the protective covering of an animal or plant, or any part serving for defense or offense.

3. Electricity.

   1. the part of an electric machine that includes the main current-carrying winding and in which the electromotive force is induced.

   2. the pivoted part of an electric device, as a buzzer or relay, that is activated by a magnetic field.

   3. the iron or steel applied across the poles of a permanent magnet to close it, or across the poles of an electromagnet to transmit a mechanical force.

4. Sculpture. a skeletal framework built as a support on which a clay, wax, or plaster figure is constructed.

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armature British  

/ ˈɑːmətjʊə /

noun

1. a revolving structure in an electric motor or generator, wound with the coils that carry the current

2. any part of an electric machine or device that moves under the influence of a magnetic field or within which an electromotive force is induced

3. Also called: keeper.  a soft iron or steel bar placed across the poles of a permanent magnet to close the magnetic circuit

4. such a bar placed across the poles of an electromagnet to transmit mechanical force

5. sculpture a framework to support the clay or other material used in modelling

6. the protective outer covering of an animal or plant

7. archaic armour

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armature Scientific  

/ är′mə-chər /

1. The part of an electric motor or generator that consists of wire wound around an iron core and carries an electric current. In motors and generators using direct current, the armature rotates within a magnetic field; in motors and generators using alternating current a magnetic field is rotated about the armature.

2. A piece of soft iron connecting the poles of a magnet.

3. The part of an electromagnetic device, such as a relay or loudspeaker, that moves or vibrates.

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Etymology

Origin of armature

1535–45; (< Middle French ) < Latin armātūra an outfit, armor, equivalent to armāt ( us ) equipped ( see arm ², -ate ¹) + -ūra -ure

Explanation

In biology, an armature is a sturdy, protective structure on an animal or plant, like a shell, exoskeleton, or thorns. The original meaning of armature was "armor," and the word is rooted in the Latin arma, "implements of war." In the 17th century, it gained its biological meaning, describing the armor-like coverings of plants and animals. An armature can also be a framework or structure, like a metal frame for a clay sculpture. In engineering, an electrical machine's armature is the part that generates power while rotating.

Example Sentences

Work soon began on erecting the towering armature, which is made of 1,800 linear feet of steel tubing and 500 planter boxes.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 24, 2025

The trademark retro armature of the original Lozano's still stands, though painted a brighter Kelly green.

From Salon • Jul. 21, 2024

Plus, he added: “It’s not being used as a marquee. It’s just an armature for graffiti.”

From Seattle Times • Sep. 12, 2023

As it swings, the shiny plumb bob reflects onto the water the orange and yellow sunset in a nearby photograph, which is pegged to an armature connected to a rotating fan.

From Washington Post • Apr. 14, 2023

For the first time we noted the clarity of her complexion, the length and languor of her eyelashes, the undeniably elegant armature of her hands.

From "Interpreter of Maladies" by Jhumpa Lahiri