servomechanism

[ sur-voh-mek-uh-niz-uhm, sur-voh-mek- ]

noun

1. an electronic control system in which a hydraulic, pneumatic, or other type of controlling mechanism is actuated and controlled by a low-energy signal.

servomechanism

/ ˌsɜːvəʊˈmɛk-; ˌsɜːvəʊmɪˈkænɪkəl; ˈsɜːvəʊˌmɛkəˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. a mechanical or electromechanical system for control of the position or speed of an output transducer. Negative feedback is incorporated to minimize discrepancies between the output state and the input control setting

Derived Forms

• servomechanical, adjective

Other Words From

• ser·vo·me·chan·i·cal [sur-voh-m, uh, -, kan, -i-k, uh, l], adjective
• servo·me·chani·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of servomechanism¹

First recorded in 1940–45; servo- + mechanism

Example Sentences

The next year, he went to work at M.I.T.’s new Servomechanisms Laboratory, doing research in servomechanism theory and feedback control systems.

From New York Times

This extension of himself by mirror numbed his perceptions until he became the servomechanism of his own extended or repeated image.

From The Guardian

The suit was so heavy that, without powered joints, controlled by servomechanisms, he would have been unable to move, even under Lunar gravity.

From Project Gutenberg

The laboratory did much of its work for the military during World War II, developing servomechanisms for controlling radar antennas and gun mounts.

From New York Times

In the 1940s, he worked on servomechanisms, which use feedback loops to maintain stability in devices like gun turrets and automobile cruise-control systems.

From New York Times