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Glite Dictionary
contact arm

contact arm

8.2
A metal piece that turns to touch different contact points and connect circuits
  • noun
  • Specialized
: 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 arm
vscontact arm
  • Specialized
1 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
wiper
vscontact arm
  • Specialized
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

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'.