gyrate

[ verb jahy-reyt, jahy-reyt; adjective jahy-reyt ]

/ verb ˈdʒaɪ reɪt, dʒaɪˈreɪt; adjective ˈdʒaɪ reɪt /

verb (used without object), gy·rat·ed, gy·rat·ing.

to move in a circle or spiral, or around a fixed point; whirl.

adjective

Zoology. having convolutions.

Nearby words

Origin of gyrate

First recorded in 1820–30, gyrate is from the Latin word gȳrātus (past participle of gȳrāre to turn around). See gyr-, -ate¹

SYNONYMS FOR gyrate

1 spin, twirl, revolve, swirl, pirouette.

Related formsgy·ra·tor, nounmul·ti·gy·rate, adjectivepseu·do·gy·rate, adjectiveun·gy·rat·ing, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for gyrator (1 of 2)

gyrator

/ (dʒaɪˈreɪtə) /

noun

an electronic circuit that inverts the impedance

British Dictionary definitions for gyrator (2 of 2)

gyrate

verb (dʒɪˈreɪt, dʒaɪ-)

(intr) to rotate or spiral, esp about a fixed point or axis

adjective (ˈdʒaɪrɪt, -reɪt)

biology curved or coiled into a circle; circinate

Derived Formsgyratory (ˈdʒaɪrətərɪ, -trɪ, dʒaɪˈreɪtərɪ), adjective

Word Origin for gyrate

C19: from Late Latin gӯrāre, from Latin gӯrus circle, from Greek guros

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for gyrator

gyrate

1822 (implied in gyrated), back-formation from gyration. Related: Gyrated; gyrating.

Medicine definitions for gyrator

gyrate

[ jī′rāt′ ]

v.

To revolve around a fixed point or axis.

To revolve in or as if in a circle or spiral.

adj.

In rings; coiled or convoluted.

Related formsgy•ra′tion n.