actuator

noun

ac·​tu·​a·​tor ˈak-chə-ˌwā-tər How to pronounce actuator (audio)
-shə-
: one that actuates
specifically : a mechanical device for moving or controlling something

Examples of actuator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In order to press downwards sufficiently, the actuators have to be kept from expanding in other directions as they're inflated. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 23 Dec. 2024 Hydraulics have significantly more power density than electric actuators in terms of force and velocity. IEEE Spectrum, 13 Dec. 2024 In the 68-mm-long new robo-manta, Yin and his team did away with the bistable design along with the bottom actuator. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 10 Dec. 2024 The array of switches, sensors, actuators, motors, and displays offers terrific versatility. Bob Beacham, Popular Science, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for actuator 

Word History

Etymology

actuate + -or entry 1

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of actuator was in 1652

Dictionary Entries Near actuator

Cite this Entry

“Actuator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/actuator. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

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