noun

1. any protective covering
2. any part or structure of an organism useful for defense or offense, as claws, teeth, burs, or thorns
3. a soft iron bar placed across the poles of a magnet to keep it from losing magnetic power
4. 1. the laminated iron core with wire wound around it in which electromotive force is produced by magnetic induction in a generator or motor: usually a revolving part, but in an alternating-current machine often stationary
   2. the moving or vibrating part in an electric relay or bell
5. Sculpture a framework for supporting the clay or other plastic material in modeling

Etymology: L armatura, arms, equipment < armatus, pp. of armare; all senses from that of “armored, protected”: see arm,