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

rotaries 

1. a rotary device or machine.

2. Chiefly Northeastern U.S.,  traffic circle.

3. Also called rotary converter. 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 Word Forms

• unrotary 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

It’s like having the world’s largest collection of rotary phones while the other guy’s building cell towers.

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Same goes for the two sets of rotary controllers serving the climate and audio systems.

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“I miss the rotary phone. I still look for phone booths.”

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It's understood the government accepts that the design of some rotary wing aircraft increases the likelihood of engine exhaust fumes entering the cabin.

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Aleman placed the roses on a conveyor belt, advancing them to a rotary saw that cut their stems.

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