servocontrol: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Specialised)Highly Technical / Engineering
Quick answer
What does “servocontrol” mean?
Automatic control of a system or device using feedback from a sensor to correct errors in its operation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Automatic control of a system or device using feedback from a sensor to correct errors in its operation.
The use of a servomechanism to regulate the position, speed, or force of a machine. Also, the device or system that performs this function.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The hyphenated form 'servo-control' is slightly more common in British engineering texts, while 'servocontrol' is more common in American texts.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “servocontrol” in a Sentence
The N uses servocontrol to VERBThe N is under servocontrolThe N employs servocontrol for NPto implement servocontrol in NPVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “servocontrol” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The system is designed to servo-control the actuator's position.
- We need to servo-control the flow rate more precisely.
American English
- The mechanism servo-controls the rudder deflection.
- An onboard computer servo-controls the turbine speed.
adverb
British English
- The arm moved servo-controlled across the workspace.
- The valve operates servo-controlled for maximum accuracy.
American English
- The mechanism functions servo-controlled via a feedback loop.
- The plate was positioned servo-controlled to within microns.
adjective
British English
- The servocontrol valve is mounted on the hydraulic line.
- They installed a new servocontrol unit in the factory robot.
American English
- The servo-control circuit failed, causing a shutdown.
- We ordered servo-control components from a specialist supplier.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in technical sales or procurement for industrial automation.
Academic
Common in engineering, robotics, and control systems literature.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering, robotics, and automation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “servocontrol”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “servocontrol”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “servocontrol”
- Using 'servocontrol' to mean any remote control (e.g., for a TV).
- Misspelling as 'serveocontrol' or 'servo control' (though the latter is an acceptable variant).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to servocontrol the arm' is non-standard; prefer 'to control with a servo').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While a remote control sends commands, a servocontrol system automatically adjusts its own operation based on feedback to achieve a desired state. A remote control may lack this automatic correction feature.
In highly technical contexts, the hyphenated form 'servo-control' is sometimes used as a verb, but it is non-standard. It is preferable to use phrases like 'control with a servo' or 'regulate via servocontrol'.
Common examples include power steering in cars, automatic focus in cameras, flight control systems in aircraft, robotic arms, and industrial automation equipment like CNC machines.
'Servo' is a short form or can refer specifically to the actuator (the motor that does the moving). 'Servocontrol' refers more broadly to the entire system of control, including the sensor, comparator, and actuator.
Automatic control of a system or device using feedback from a sensor to correct errors in its operation.
Servocontrol is usually highly technical / engineering in register.
Servocontrol: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɜː.vəʊ.kənˈtrəʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɝː.voʊ.kənˈtroʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on a hair trigger (related concept for sensitive control)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SERVant (SERVO) who CONTROLS things for you automatically, constantly checking and correcting its work.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GUIDING HAND (an external, intelligent force that continuously corrects and guides motion).
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining feature of a servocontrol system?