The part of an electric motor or generator that consists of wire wound around an iron core and carries an electric current. In motors and generators using direct current, the armature rotates within a magnetic field; in motors and generators using alternating current a magnetic field is rotated about the armature.
A piece of soft iron connecting the poles of a magnet.
The part of an electromagnetic device, such as a relay or loudspeaker, that moves or vibrates.
Ar"ma*ture\, n. [L. armatura, fr. armare to arm: cf. F. armature. See Arm, v. t., Armor.]1. Armor; whatever is worn or used for the protection and defense of the body, esp. the protective outfit of some animals and plants. 2. (Magnetism) A piece of soft iron used to connect the two poles of a magnet, or electro-magnet, in order to complete the circuit, or to receive and apply the magnetic force. In the ordinary horseshoe magnet, it serves to prevent the dissipation of the magnetic force. 3. (Arch.) Iron bars or framing employed for the consolidation of a building, as in sustaining slender columns, holding up canopies, etc. --Oxf. Gloss.
Ar"mor\, n. [OE. armure, fr. F. armure, OF. armeure, fr. L. armatura. See Armature.] [Spelt also armour.]1. Defensive arms for the body; any clothing or covering worn to protect one's person in battle. Note: In English statues, armor is used for the whole apparatus of war, including offensive as well as defensive arms. The statues of armor directed what arms every man should provide. 2. Steel or iron covering, whether of ships or forts, protecting them from the fire of artillery. Coat armor, the escutcheon of a person or family, with its several charges and other furniture, as mantling, crest, supporters, motto, etc. Submarine, a water-tight dress or covering for a diver. See under Submarine.
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