armature: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Formal
Quick answer
What does “armature” mean?
A framework serving as a structural support or skeleton, especially one on which a sculpture is molded.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A framework serving as a structural support or skeleton, especially one on which a sculpture is molded.
In various technical fields: 1) The rotating part of an electric motor or generator. 2) The moving part of a relay or buzzer. 3) The iron bar in a magnetic circuit. 4) The protective covering or framework in biology, such as the shell of an animal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent. The electromechanical sense is dominant in both technical registers.
Connotations
Neutral technical term. In UK art contexts, possibly more readily associated with fine art sculpture.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general use, but standard in engineering, sculpture, and biology texts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “armature” in a Sentence
[The artist] constructed [an/the] [wire] armature [for the sculpture].[The technician] replaced [the] [faulty] armature [in the motor].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “armature” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The sculptor will armature the clay figure with a steel frame.
American English
- The engineer needed to armature the prototype more securely.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form.
American English
- No standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- The armature winding was damaged. (Note: 'armature' acts as a noun adjunct, not a true adjective)
American English
- Check the armature resistance. (Note: 'armature' acts as a noun adjunct, not a true adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in procurement for industrial motors: 'The armature needs rewinding.'
Academic
Common in engineering, physics, and fine arts papers discussing electromechanics or sculpture techniques.
Everyday
Virtually unused.
Technical
Core term in electrical engineering (motors, generators), relay design, and sculpture.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “armature”
- Spelling: 'armatur', 'armachure'. Usage: Using it to mean 'protective armour'. Pronunciation: Stressing the second syllable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specialised term primarily used in technical fields like electrical engineering, sculpture, and biology.
In modern technical use, the most common meaning is the rotating coil assembly in an electric motor or generator.
It is extremely rare as a verb (to fit or provide with an armature) and would sound non-standard to most native speakers. It is almost exclusively a noun.
In British English: /ˈɑː.mə.tʃə/. In American English: /ˈɑːr.mə.tʃɚ/. The stress is always on the first syllable.
A framework serving as a structural support or skeleton, especially one on which a sculpture is molded.
Armature is usually technical, formal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'ARMs and a backbone' (like a skeleton) for a statue, or 'ARMs the motor' (provides the moving force).
Conceptual Metaphor
THE HIDDEN SUPPORT STRUCTURE IS A SKELETON (for sculpture); THE MOVING HEART OF THE MACHINE IS A SKELETON (for motors).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'armature' LEAST likely to be used correctly?