Word
actuator
Phoneticsac·tu·a·tor, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈæktjuˌeɪtɝ/
UK/ˈæktʃuːˌeɪtɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a part of a machine that moves or controls something else. It turns energy, like electricity or air pressure, into physical movement.
n. a mechanical device for moving or controlling a system. It converts an input signal into some kind of motion or physical action, typically using energy from a source such as electricity, hydraulics, or pneumatics.
Examples
“The robot uses a small actuator to move its arm.”
“In modern cars, the fuel injection system relies on a precise actuator to open the valve at the right time.”
“The engineering team replaced the hydraulic actuator with a more efficient electric version to reduce the overall weight and improve the vehicle's fuel economy.”
Examples
simple
“The robot uses a small actuator to move its arm.”
contextual
“In modern cars, the fuel injection system relies on a precise actuator to open the valve at the right time.”
complex
“The engineering team replaced the hydraulic actuator with a more efficient electric version to reduce the overall weight and improve the vehicle's fuel economy.”
Real-World Examples
“In most powered exoskeletons, mechanical components called actuators convert electric power from batteries into mechanical movement, generating forces that support or enhance the body’s movement.” “Drive Pilot also has redundant braking and steering actuators and a separate onboard electrical system just in case one of them fails.” “He noticed such feedback processes, involving sensors, signals and actuators, everywhere around him, including in all living systems and in human–machine interactions.” “Such systems still rely on actuators driven by electricity to apply that force.” Etymology
From actuate + -or. First attested in 1652.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/actuator