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

Following consumer sentiment, Audi’s product designers intend to restore physical controls, rotary selectors, switches, even gauges, to their central place in the driver’s experience.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Inside is an old-fashioned rotary phone that has played an unusual role in helping many move on after the disaster.

Read more on Literature

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

Read more on MarketWatch

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

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times