actuator
/ˈæk.tʃu.eɪ.tə/ IELTSAcademic
noun
An actuator is a device that makes a machine move or do a physical action. It changes energy into motion, like opening a valve or moving a robot arm.
- The actuator opened the door automatically.
- A broken actuator stopped the machine.
Adinary Nuance
An actuator is the part that creates movement, so it is more specific than motor or mechanism. A motor is one kind of actuator, but not every actuator is a motor. Engineers use actuator when they want to name the part that pushes, turns, opens, or lifts something.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- bộ truyền động
- Spanish
- actuador
- Chinese
- 执行器
- Japanese
- アクチュエーター
- Korean
- 작동 장치
Etymology
Actuator comes from Latin actus, meaning “a doing” or “a driving.” It entered English through technical and engineering use in the 20th century.
Common phrases
linear actuatorelectric actuatorhydraulic actuatorpneumatic actuator
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is actuator a common word in everyday English?
- No, it is mainly used in engineering, robotics, and technical writing.
- What is the difference between an actuator and a motor?
- A motor makes rotary motion. An actuator is any part that creates physical movement.
- Can I use actuator in business writing?
- Yes, if you are writing about machines, products, or technical systems.
- How do I use actuator in a sentence?
- You can say: “The actuator moves the robot arm.”