revolution

[ rev-uh-loo-shuhn ]

noun

1. an overthrow or repudiation and the thorough replacement of an established government or political system by the people governed.
2. Sociology. a radical and pervasive change in society and the social structure, especially one made suddenly and often accompanied by violence. Compare social evolution.
3. a sudden, complete or marked change in something:

   the present revolution in church architecture.

4. a procedure or course, as if in a circuit, back to a starting point.
5. a single turn of this kind.

   Synonyms: rotation, round, circuit, cycle

6. Mechanics.
   1. a turning round or rotating, as on an axis.
   2. a moving in a circular or curving course, as about a central point.
   3. a single cycle in such a course.
7. Astronomy.
   1. (not in technical use) rotation ( def 2 ).
   2. the orbiting of one heavenly body around another.
   3. a single course of such movement.
8. a round or cycle of events in time or a recurring period of time.
9. Geology. a time of worldwide orogeny and mountain-building.

revolution

/ ˌrɛvəˈluːʃən /

noun

1. the overthrow or repudiation of a regime or political system by the governed
2. (in Marxist theory) the violent and historically necessary transition from one system of production in a society to the next, as from feudalism to capitalism
3. a far-reaching and drastic change, esp in ideas, methods, etc
4. 1. movement in or as if in a circle
   2. one complete turn in such a circle

      a turntable rotating at 33 revolutions per minute

5. 1. the orbital motion of one body, such as a planet or satellite, around another Compare rotation
   2. one complete turn in such motion
6. a cycle of successive events or changes
7. obsolete.
   geology a profound change in conditions over a large part of the earth's surface, esp one characterized by mountain building

   an orogenic revolution

revolution

/ rĕv′ə-lo̅o̅′shən /

1. The motion of an object around a point, especially around another object or a center of mass.
2. A single complete cycle of such motion.

Other Words From

• anti·revo·lution adjective
• nonrev·o·lution noun
• postrev·o·lution adjective
• prorev·o·lution adjective
• semi·revo·lution noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of revolution¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English revolucion, from Late Latin revolūtiōn-, stem of revolūtiō “rollback, rotation”; equivalent to revolute + -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of revolution¹

C14: via Old French from Late Latin revolūtiō , from Latin revolvere to revolve

Usage

In everyday speech revolution and rotation are often used as synonyms, but in science they are not synonyms and have distinct meanings. The difference between the two terms lies in the location of the central axis that the object turns about. If the axis is outside the body itself—that is, if the object is orbiting about another object—then one complete orbit is called a revolution. But if the object is turning about an axis that passes through itself, then one complete cycle is called a rotation. This difference is often summed up in the statement “Earth rotates on its axis and revolves around the Sun.”

Example Sentences

He said the "clean energy revolution" had arrived and that no government could stop it.

From BBC

I should emphasize that slavery was the prominent exception to Black American liberals tending to favor reform over revolution.

From Salon

But while the government stresses there are "no plans to abolish the RTB", the "social revolution" Lord Heseltine heralded nearly 45 years ago is clearly facing a radical change to everything but its name.

From BBC

He experienced a revolution in his own home, life and legacy that we celebrate from the same places of uncertainty where we remain.

From Salon

We were forged in revolution and in civil war.

From Salon

Related Words

• coup
• innovation
• insurgency
• mutiny
• rebellion
• revolt
• shift
• strike
• transformation
• turmoil
• unrest
• upheaval
• uprising
• violence