Definition: Actor

From New World Encyclopedia

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)

  1. Someone or something that takes part in some action; a doer, an agent.
  2. A person who acts a part in a theatrical play or (later) in film or television; a dramatic performer.
  3. (grammar) The subject performing the action of a verb.
  4. (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

Credits

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