Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
contact arm

contact arm

8.2
A metal piece that turns to touch different contact points and connect circuits
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : brazo de contacto
  • The technician replaced the worn contact arm in the rotary selector.

Examples

  • The contact arm rotates and connects the circuit to different outputs.

  • If the contact arm is misaligned, the switch may not function correctly.

  • The contact arm is essential for the rotary switch to function properly.

  • Can you check the contact arms for any wear?

  • The contact arm rotates and connects the circuit to different outputs.

  • If the contact arm is misaligned, the switch may not function correctly.

  • The technician replaced the worn contact arm in the rotary selector.

Synonyms

wiper
vscontact arm
  • Specialized
1 8.1

A moving metal arm that touches different contacts to change an electrical connection

stops at each outlet to make distinct connections instead of sliding
wiper arm
vscontact arm
  • Specialized
6.8

A metal arm that moves to touch different electrical contacts in a control like a volume knob

stops on an outlet for discrete rotary switching rather than moving continuously

Surface Forms

contact arm singular
contact arms plural

Morphology

contact + arm

The noun-noun combination is fully compositional: 'contact' (a point where conductors touch) modifies 'arm' (an arm-like projecting piece), so the phrase denotes an arm that makes electrical contact or conducts. This is a regular English compound/technical naming pattern and the core sense is directly derivable by a B1 learner who knows both words, even if detailed mechanical specifics require domain knowledge.

Etymology

Contact arm shows the idea: a moving arm that touches electrical contacts, like a hand making a connection. So, 'contact arm' means 'a metal part that turns to touch contacts and make the circuit work'.