Definition: Actor
Etymology
From Middle English actour, from Anglo-Norman actor, Middle French actor, and their source, Latin Äctor (doer), from agÅ (to do). Equivalent to act + -or. Cognate with Ancient Greek á¼„ÎºÏ„Ï‰Ï or áktÅr, (leader), from ἄγω or ágÅ (lead, carry, convey, bring).
Noun
actor (plural actors, feminine actress)
- Someone or something that takes part in some action; a doer, an agent.
- A person who acts a part in a theatrical play or (later) in film or television; a dramatic performer.
- (grammar) The subject performing the action of a verb.
- (software engineering) The entity that performs a role (in use case analysis).
Usage notes
In the sense of a person who acts in a play or film, the traditional sense of the word only applied to male actors, the term actress being used for the female counterpart.
Derived terms
- character actor
- method actor
- play-actor
- supporting actor
- voice actor
Related terms
- act
- acting
- action
- transaction
Credits
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