# actuator

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈæk.tjuː.eɪ.tə(ɹ)/ · frequency rank #38,263

## Definitions
1. Something that actuates something else.
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. The mechanism that moves the head assembly on a disk drive.
4. A relay that controls the flow of electricity.

## Etymology
From actuate + -or. First attested in 1652.

## Easily confused with
- **activator** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/activator-vs-actuator)

## Common misspellings (11)
`acctuator`, `actautor`, `acttuator`, `actuaotr`, `actuatorr`, `actuatro`, `actuattor`, `actutaor`, `acutator`, `atcuator`, `catuator`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/actuator