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.
© Webster 1913
Ar"ma*ture (?), n. (Elec.)
That part of a dynamo or electric generator or of an electric motor in which a current is induced by a relatively moving magnetic field. The armature usually consists of a series of coils or groups of insulated conductors surrounding a core of iron.
© Webster 1913