rotary

[ roh-tuh-ree ]

adjective

1. turning or capable of turning around on an axis, as a wheel.
2. taking place around an axis, as motion.
3. having a part or parts that turn on an axis, as a machine.

noun

, plural ro·ta·ries.

1. a rotary device or machine.
2. Chiefly Northeastern U.S. traffic circle.
3. Also called rotary converter. Electricity. synchronous converter.
4. (initial capital letter) Rotary Club.

rotary

/ ˈrəʊtərɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or operating by rotation
2. turning or able to turn; revolving

noun

1. a part of a machine that rotates about an axis
2. a roundabout (for traffic)

Other Words From

• un·rota·ry adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rotary¹

1725–35; < Medieval Latin rotārius (adj.), equivalent to Latin rot ( a ) wheel + -ārius -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of rotary¹

C18: from Medieval Latin rotārius , from Latin rota a wheel

Example Sentences

National letters of intent have gone the way of typewriters, rotary telephones and dinosaurs.

From Los Angeles Times

Investments in precision technologies such as robotic milking systems, rotary parlors and wearable health and reproductive technologies can help reduce labor costs across farms.

From Salon

Mazda said that its prized rotary engine, introduced more than 50 years ago, was being adapted for electric vehicles.

From Seattle Times

The researchers demonstrated the effectiveness of these controllers in controlling a rotary inverted pendulum, a challenging system comprising an inverted pendulum sitting on a rotating base.

From Science Daily

In February, the government shut down yet another round of social groups, including the country’s scouting organization and a rotary club.

From Seattle Times