armature

/ˈɑrmətʃər/

Other forms: armatures

In biology, an armature is a sturdy, protective structure on an animal or plant, like a shell, exoskeleton, or thorns.

The original meaning of armature was "armor," and the word is rooted in the Latin arma, "implements of war." In the 17th century, it gained its biological meaning, describing the armor-like coverings of plants and animals. An armature can also be a framework or structure, like a metal frame for a clay sculpture. In engineering, an electrical machine's armature is the part that generates power while rotating.

Definitions of armature

1. noun

   coil in which voltage is induced by motion through a magnetic field
   types:

   rotor, rotor coil

   the rotating armature of a motor or generator

   type of:

   coil

   reactor consisting of a spiral of insulated wire that introduces inductance into a circuit
2. noun

   a protective or defensive covering of a plant or animal
   type of:

   anatomical structure, bodily structure, body structure, complex body part, structure

   a particular complex anatomical part of a living thing
3. noun

   a framework on which a sculptor molds a sculpture made of clay or a similar material
   type of:

   framework

   a structure supporting or containing something
4. noun

   the underlying framework of something immaterial, especially a literary work
   type of:

   fabric, framework

   the underlying structure