rotate

²ro·tate

verb
\ˈrō-ˌtāt, especially British rō-ˈ\

ro·tat·edro·tat·ing

Definition of ROTATE

intransitive verb

1

a : to perform an act, function, or operation in turn b : to pass or alternate in a series

2

: to turn about an axis or a center : revolve; especially : to move in such a way that all particles follow circles with a common angular velocity about a common axis

transitive verb

1

a : to cause to turn or move about an axis or a center b : to cause (a plane region or line) to sweep out a volume or surface by moving around an axis so that each of its points remains at a constant distance from the axis <generate a torus by rotating a circle about an external line>

2

: to cause to grow in rotation <rotate crops>

3

: to cause to pass or act in a series : alternate

4

: to exchange (individuals or units) with others

— ro·tat·able \ˈrō-ˌtā-tə-bəl also rō-ˈ\ adjective

Examples of ROTATE

1. As the gear rotates, it turns the other gears.
2. The Earth rotates on its axis.
3. The planets rotate around the sun.
4. The software allows you to rotate images.
5. Rotate the sheet of paper 90 degrees.
6. The staff rotates the weekend shift.
7. We rotate—she does the dishes one week; I do them the next.
8. You should rotate your car's tires once a year.

Origin of ROTATE

Latin rotatus, past participle of rotare, from rota wheel — more at roll

First Known Use: 1785

Related to ROTATE

Synonyms: pivot, revolve, roll, turn, spin, swing, swirl, swivel, twirl, twist, wheel, whirl

Related Words: screw, unscrew; twiddle; coil, crank, reel, wind; circulate

see all synonyms and antonyms

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