ar|ma|ture

ar|ma|ture «AHR muh chuhr», noun, verb, -tured, -tur|ing.

–n.

1. a) a coil of wire wound around an iron core, placed between opposite poles of a magnet in an electric motor or dynamo. In a motor, electric current is sent through coils of wire, which causes the armature to move through the magnetic field between the poles. b) a piece of soft iron placed in contact with the poles of a magnet to maintain the magnetic power. c) the movable part of an electric relay or buzzer, placed in a magnetic field which causes it to move.

2. = armor. (Cf. ↑armor)

3. a) the protective or defensive covering of an animal or plant. A turtle's shell is an armature. b) any part or organ of an animal or plant serving for offense (teeth, suckers of dodder) or defense (thorns).

4. Fine Arts. a framework over which clay or some other substance is applied in modeling.

5. a frame or support for carrying a load or pack.

6. wire wound round and round a cable.

–v.t.

to provide with an armature.

╂[< Latin armātūra < armāre to arm. See etym. of doublet armor. (Cf. ↑armor)]