actuator
nounUK /ˈæk.tjuː.eɪ.tə(ɹ)/ · CA, US /ˈæk.t͡ʃu.eɪ.tɚ/
Etymology From actuate + -or. First attested in 1652.
1
Something that actuates something else.
- The mind is the actuator of the body.
- […] and God is the Author and Actuator of nature, as well as of grace; […]1652, Anthony Burgesse, Spiritual Refining: or a Treatise of Grace and Assurance, Section V, Sermon XLIII, page 264:
2
A usually electric device that causes a mechanical device (i.e., a mechanism) to be switched on or off. For example; an electric motor that opens and closes a valve.
3
Computer hardware, Computing, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Sciences The mechanism that moves the head assembly on a disk drive.
4
Business, Electrical engineering, Electricity, Electromagnetism, Energy, Engineering, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Physics A relay that controls the flow of electricity.
- Derived terms
- bioactuator, microactuator, multiactuator, nanoactuator, piezoactuator, thermoactuator, vibroactuator