actuate

[ ak-choo-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ac·tu·at·ed, ac·tu·at·ing.

1. to incite or move to action; impel; motivate:

   actuated by selfish motives.

2. to put into action; start a process; turn on:

   to actuate a machine.

actuate

/ ˈæktʃʊˌeɪt /

verb

1. to put into action or mechanical motion
2. to motivate or incite into action

   actuated by unworthy desires

Derived Forms

• ˈactuˌator, noun
• ˌactuˈation, noun

Other Words From

• ac·tu·a·tion [ak-choo-, ey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• de·ac·tu·ate verb (used with object) deactuated deactuating
• self-ac·tu·at·ing adjective
• un·ac·tu·at·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of actuate¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Medieval Latin āctuāt(us) “reduced to action” (past participle of āctuāre ), equivalent to Latin āctu(s) ( act ) + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of actuate¹

C16: from Medieval Latin actuātus, from actuāre to incite to action, from Latin āctus act

Example Sentences

"Being able to directly print microfluidic chips with fluidic channels and electrical features at the same time opens up very exiting applications when processing biological samples, such as to amplify biomarkers or to actuate and mix liquids. Also, due to the fact that PLA degrades over time, one can even think of implantable applications where the chips dissolve and resorb over time," adds Niclas Roxhed, an associate professor at Sweden's KTH Royal Institute of Technology, who was not involved with this study.

From Science Daily

In this way, the fibers actuate using electricity, which offers a user digital control over a textile's form.

From Science Daily

Another, called a McKibben actuator, is pneumatically driven and requires an air compressor to actuate.

From Science Daily

The MIT researchers wanted a fiber that could actuate silently and change its shape dramatically, while being compatible with common textile manufacturing procedures.

From Science Daily

They perfected a preparation technique that creates LCE fiber which can actuate at skin-safe temperatures, making it suitable for wearable fabrics.

From Science Daily