armatures
|ar-ma-ture|
🇺🇸
/ˈɑːrmətʃɚ/
🇬🇧
/ˈɑːmətʃə/
(armature)
supporting framework
Etymology
'armature' originates from French, specifically the word 'armature', ultimately from Latin 'armatura', where 'arma' meant 'arms, equipment' and 'armare' meant 'to arm or equip'.
'armature' changed from Latin 'armatura' (Medieval/Church Latin) into Old French/Modern French 'armature' and passed into Middle English and then modern English as 'armature'.
Initially it referred to 'arms, armor, or the act of equipping', especially military equipment; over time it evolved to mean 'a fitted framework or support' and later developed a specialized technical sense as the rotating coil or winding in electrical machines.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the rotating part of an electrical machine (motor or generator) in which current is induced or through which current flows; the component that carries windings or coils.
The technicians replaced the damaged armatures in the old generators.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a framework or skeleton used by sculptors to support modeling material such as clay or plaster while building a sculpture.
The sculptors built armatures to hold the clay while they worked.
Synonyms
Noun 3
a structural or supporting framework inside or under an object that gives it shape and strength.
Under the facade, iron armatures gave the small balcony its strength.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/16 02:14