rotor

[ roh-ter ]

noun

1. Electricity. a rotating member of a machine. Compare stator ( def 1 ).
2. Aeronautics. a system of rotating airfoils, as the horizontal ones of a helicopter or of the compressor of a jet engine.
3. any of a number of tall, cylindrical devices mounted on a special ship rotor ship and rotated in such a way that the Magnus effect of wind impinging on the cylinders is used to drive and maneuver the vessel.
4. (in a self-winding watch) a weight eccentrically mounted on an arbor for keeping the mainspring wound.

rotor

/ ˈrəʊtə /

noun

1. the rotating member of a machine or device, esp the armature of a motor or generator or the rotating assembly of a turbine Compare stator
2. a device having blades radiating from a central hub that is rotated to produce thrust to lift and propel a helicopter
3. the revolving arm of the distributor of an internal-combustion engine
4. a violent rolling wave of air occurring in the lee of a mountain or hill, in which the air rotates about a horizontal axis

Word History and Origins

Origin of rotor¹

First recorded in 1873; short for rotator

Word History and Origins

Origin of rotor¹

C20: shortened form of rotator

Example Sentences

It can be launched from the ground by a catapult or by it can be fitted with rotors so it can launch vertically.

From BBC

A helicopter crashed after the hose it used to suck water from a lake broke free and got tangled in the rotor blades.

From Los Angeles Times

A gripping device set the log down on the creek bed while the whirling rotor blades kicked up dust.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Salmon, from London, said that after being evacuated he initially mistook the helicopter's rotor blade for a lamppost.

From BBC

It recently needed its very first change of brakes and rotors — a testament to how little maintenance hybrid and electric cars require, he said.

From Los Angeles Times