servomotor: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical
Quick answer
What does “servomotor” mean?
An electric motor designed to provide precise control of angular or linear position, velocity, and acceleration.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An electric motor designed to provide precise control of angular or linear position, velocity, and acceleration; often a key component in automated control systems.
A type of actuator that converts electrical signals into controlled mechanical movement. It typically includes a motor, a feedback sensor, and a controller, and is used to achieve a desired output position or velocity based on an input command.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling remains the same. In informal technical speech, 'servo' is a common clipped form in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations. Associated with automation, robotics, and control engineering.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general language but standard within relevant technical fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “servomotor” in a Sentence
The [servomotor] controls [the rudder].Connect the [servomotor] to [the controller].A [servomotor] is used for [precise positioning].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “servomotor” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The system is designed to servomotor the flap into position.
- We need to servomotor that axis for better accuracy.
American English
- The engineers decided to servomotor the actuator for finer control.
- You can't just motor it; you have to servomotor it.
adjective
British English
- The servomotor assembly requires recalibration.
- We're experiencing a servomotor control issue.
American English
- Check the servomotor controller settings.
- We need a new servomotor housing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in procurement, technical sales, or project specifications for automation solutions.
Academic
Common in engineering, robotics, mechatronics, and automation textbooks and research papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Unlikely to be used outside of hobbyist contexts (e.g., RC models, DIY robotics).
Technical
The primary domain. Standard term in design manuals, datasheets, and technical discussions about motion control systems.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “servomotor”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “servomotor”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “servomotor”
- Misspelling as 'servo motor' (two words; though common, the closed form is standard).
- Using it to refer to any small electric motor without a feedback control loop.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Both are used for precise positioning, but they work on different principles. A servomotor uses continuous rotation and feedback to reach a position, while a stepper motor moves in discrete 'steps' without needing positional feedback (in open-loop systems).
In technical and hobbyist contexts, 'servo' is a very common and accepted clipped form (e.g., 'connect the servo to channel 3'). In formal writing, 'servomotor' is preferred.
Robotics, CNC machining, aerospace (for flight control surfaces), industrial automation, camera gimbals, and radio-controlled models.
It comes from the Latin 'servus' meaning 'slave'. In engineering, it implies a 'slave' mechanism that follows a master command signal with high fidelity.
An electric motor designed to provide precise control of angular or linear position, velocity, and acceleration.
Servomotor is usually technical in register.
Servomotor: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɜː.vəʊˌməʊ.tə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɝː.voʊˌmoʊ.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SERVant MOTOR: it 'serves' by following commands precisely.
Conceptual Metaphor
A servomotor is the MUSCLE of a machine that OBEYS the electronic BRAIN.
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining feature of a servomotor compared to a standard electric motor?