armature

[ ahr-muh-cher ]

noun

1. armor.
2. Biology. the protective covering of an animal or plant, or any part serving for defense or offense.
3. Electricity.
   1. the part of an electric machine that includes the main current-carrying winding and in which the electromotive force is induced.
   2. the pivoted part of an electric device, as a buzzer or relay, that is activated by a magnetic field.
   3. the iron or steel applied across the poles of a permanent magnet to close it, or across the poles of an electromagnet to transmit a mechanical force.
4. Sculpture. a skeletal framework built as a support on which a clay, wax, or plaster figure is constructed.

armature

/ ˈɑːmətjʊə /

noun

1. a revolving structure in an electric motor or generator, wound with the coils that carry the current
2. any part of an electric machine or device that moves under the influence of a magnetic field or within which an electromotive force is induced
3. Also calledkeeper a soft iron or steel bar placed across the poles of a permanent magnet to close the magnetic circuit
4. such a bar placed across the poles of an electromagnet to transmit mechanical force
5. sculpture a framework to support the clay or other material used in modelling
6. the protective outer covering of an animal or plant
7. archaic.
   armour

armature

/ är′mə-chər /

1. The part of an electric motor or generator that consists of wire wound around an iron core and carries an electric current. In motors and generators using direct current, the armature rotates within a magnetic field; in motors and generators using alternating current a magnetic field is rotated about the armature.
2. A piece of soft iron connecting the poles of a magnet.
3. The part of an electromagnetic device, such as a relay or loudspeaker, that moves or vibrates.

Word History and Origins

Origin of armature¹

1535–45; (< Middle French ) < Latin armātūra an outfit, armor, equivalent to armāt ( us ) equipped ( arm ², -ate ¹ ) + -ūra -ure

Word History and Origins

Origin of armature¹

C15: from Latin armātūra armour, equipment, from armāre to furnish with equipment; see arm ²

Example Sentences

The trademark retro armature of the original Lozano's still stands, though painted a brighter Kelly green.

From Salon

The red, pink and orange canvas with a wooden frame that looks as if it’s been clawed as much as carved, highlights an insectoid figure banging around inside a geometric armature.

From New York Times

Wigs, heels and makeup go a long way toward revealing femininity to be a kind of armature deployed as intentionally on the streets as it is on a stage.

From Los Angeles Times

This doesn’t really matter much, because above all, a mystery is an armature on which to hang a bunch of distinct, disparate characters, without the necessity of character development.

From Los Angeles Times

Here it’s a little 5½-inch LCD screen, which is mounted at the end of a three-foot armature that thrusts out from the wall maybe seven or eight feet above the floor.

From Los Angeles Times