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

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

But as with the many monitors, the walkie-talkies and rotary phones and control panels all worked, a verisimilitude that, to Benesch, made each uninterrupted, carefully choreographed take that much more stressful.

From Los Angeles Times

Inside these circular cavities, the bacteria began to exhibit rotary motion akin to pendulum clocks.

From Science Daily