You're not OP, but I think it's obvious that the question wouldn't have been asked had the nomenclature been more precise (i.e., had the article been titled "wa

You're not OP, but I think it's obvious that the question wouldn't have been asked had the nomenclature been more precise (i.e., had the article been titled "wax linear actuator" rather than "wax motor"). Yes, it's "like" a solenoid in the sense that it uses electricity to move a piston, but a solenoid is a very specific type that relies on electromagnetism. Linear actuators are also available in other forms -- geared and pneumatic ones immediately come to mind -- and I felt it was important to point out the distinction.