noun
a mechanism that puts something into automatic action
• Derivationally related forms: ↑actuate
• Hypernyms: ↑mechanism
• Hyponyms: ↑rotary actuator, ↑positioner
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\\ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌwād.ə(r), -ātə-\ noun (-s) : one that actuates; specifically : any of various electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic mechanisms by means of which something is moved or controlled indirectly instead of by hand (as a motor that turns the rudder of a large ship or moves the elevators of an airplane or an air-brake cylinder operated by a motorman)
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/ak"chooh ay'teuhr/, n.
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.
[1860-65; ACTUATE + -OR2]
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acˈtūātor noun
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Main Entry: ↑actuate
Useful english dictionary. 2012.