waldo
Waldo (noun) means a mechanical or robotic arm operated remotely by a human, used to handle dangerous or delicate materials from a safe distance. Example: “Technicians used a waldo to move the radioactive sample behind the shielded glass.”
How to use waldo
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA remote-controlled mechanical hand or arm, often used with hazardous materials.
Word forms
waldos plural, waldoes plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Technicians used a _____ to move the radioactive sample behind the shielded glass.
Etymology
Coined after Waldo F. Jones, the inventor character in Robert A. Heinlein's 1942 science-fiction story "Waldo," who built remote manipulator arms.
Rhymes for waldo
See all rhymes for waldo →Frequently asked questions
What does “waldo” mean?
The word “waldo” means a mechanical or robotic arm operated remotely by a human, used to handle dangerous or delicate materials from a safe distance. In plain terms, a remote-controlled mechanical hand or arm, often used with hazardous materials.
How do you pronounce “waldo”?
“Waldo” is pronounced WAWL-doh (/ˈwɔːl.dəʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “waldo” in a sentence?
Here is “waldo” used in a sentence: “Technicians used a waldo to move the radioactive sample behind the shielded glass.”
What part of speech is “waldo”?
“Waldo” is a noun.
Where does the word “waldo” come from?
The word “waldo” dates back to around 1942. Coined after Waldo F. Jones, the inventor character in Robert A. Heinlein's 1942 science-fiction story "Waldo," who built remote manipulator arms.
Is “waldo” a common word?
“Waldo” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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