noun
Uncommon
waldo
WAWL-doh
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.”
noun
1
A mechanical or robotic arm operated remotely by a human, used to handle dangerous or delicate materials from a safe distance.
"Technicians used a waldo to move the radioactive sample behind the shielded glass."
"The lab's waldo let researchers assemble tiny components without ever touching them directly."
How to use waldo
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA remote-controlled mechanical hand or arm, often used with hazardous materials.
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Word forms
- Plural
- waldos, waldoes
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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