rotatory

[ roh-tuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

adjective

1. pertaining to or of the nature of rotation:

   rotatory motion.

2. rotating, rotate, as an object.
3. passing or following in rotation or succession.
4. causing rotation, as a muscle.

rotatory

/ ˈrəʊtətərɪ; -trɪ; ˈrəʊtətɪv /

adjective

1. of, relating to, possessing, or causing rotation

Derived Forms

• ˈrotatively, adverb

Other Words From

• un·rota·tory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rotatory¹

1745–55; < New Latin rotātōrius, equivalent to Latin rotā ( re ) ( rotate ¹ ) + -tōrius -tory ¹

Example Sentences

This product is dextro-rotatory; the laevo and inactive modifications occur in the so-called baldrianic camphor.

From Project Gutenberg

I have had no experience of the rotatory movements of earthquakes.

From Project Gutenberg

This serious objection has been removed by imparting, by means of clock-work, a uniform rotatory motion to the reflector.

From Project Gutenberg

Yes truly, few men that worship by the rotatory Calabash of the Calmucks do it in half so great, frank or effectual a way.

From Project Gutenberg

Few men that worship by the rotatory Calabash, do it in half so great, frank or effectual a way.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• whirling