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⚙️ A precise motor 💃 A skilled dancer 🐎 A high-stepping horse 🚶 An active person
stepper

stepper

3 8.1
A motor that turns in tiny, exact amounts to move parts precisely
  • noun
  • /ˈstɛpər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : motor paso a paso
  • The Phoenix-10 activated its stepper motors and moved the telescope to the vicinity of the chosen star.
  • stepper motor
  • stepper driver
  • stepper controller

Examples

  • The product is available in one through eight-axis formats, and each axis is user-configurable for stepper or servo motor operation.

    Academic text (2011)

  • I made a controller here using a TNT and a controller board, a stepper motor controller.

  • So really lightweight, quiet stepper motor based.

  • So really that should then bypass the crystal and it should send the power straight to the stepper motor over here.

  • Here you can see the circuit board, stepper motor, and wires for sound, power, and signal.

    Blog text (2)

  • According to the manufacturer, the motor is competitive in price with many stepper motor systems.

    Academic text (2000)

  • The pumps are available in AC, DC, and stepper motor-drive configurations.

    Academic text (2004)

  • The two-axis plasma torch table the team built uses stepper motors controlled by a laptop computer.

    Academic text (2011)

  • The company's lead screw output shafts complement the Arsape line of miniature two-phase stepper motors for precise linear actuation.

    Academic text (2005)

  • A CNC router uses computer-controlled stepper motors to move an object as it's cut by a stationary tool.

Synonyms

electric motor
vsstepper
10 3.4

A machine that uses electricity to make parts move

produces controlled small discrete steps for precise movement
servomotor
vsstepper
  • Specialized
1 7.2

A motor that moves a part to an exact position, often in robots

moves in small precise steps rather than continuous position control
stepping motor
vsstepper
  • UK
6.3

A small electric device that turns in exact small steps to move parts exactly, for example in 3D printers

is the informal name for the same device

Compounds

goose-stepper
9.9

A soldier who marches with straight legs and high steps

high stepper
  • Jargon
8.9

A horse trained to lift its legs very high when it walks or trots for shows

high stepper
7.2

A person who lifts their feet very high when walking to show off or perform

How Precise

absolute encoder
  • Specialized
8.3
stepper
  • Specialized
3 8.1
synchronous motor
  • Specialized
1 6.3
geared
  • Specialized
3.7

Surface Forms

stepper singular
steppers plural

Morphology

stepper = step (semi-transparent) = step + er

The device name is based on the idea of moving in discrete 'steps' (often from 'stepper motor'); while the morphological build is visible, recognizing it as a technical device requires domain knowledge.

Etymology

The word stepper combines step ('a small movement') with -er ('one that does'), giving the image of something that moves in clear steps. That's why a stepper motor moves or turns in small, exact steps for precise control.