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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.


Etymology

Origin of actuator

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


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

This month, it sent staff to audit Chinese manufacturers of actuator components and sensors, 21st Century Business Herald reported.

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

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

From BBC ● Feb. 5, 2026

Dr. Chapin, one of the house doctors, was the actuator.

From The Arena Volume 18, No. 93, August, 1897 by Various

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