rotator

noun

ro·​ta·​tor ˈrō-ˌtā-tər 

also rō-ˈtā-

: one that rotates or causes rotation

especially, plural rotators or rotatores ˌrō-tə-ˈtȯr-ˌēz  : a muscle that partially rotates a part on its axis

Examples of rotator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This airflow spins the rotator through surface friction alone. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026

Three are considered ultra-fast rotators that complete a full spin in less than five minutes. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 8 Jan. 2026

Like all but one of the newfound superfast rotators, the record-setting space rock, called 2025 MN45, resides in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. —Mike Wall, Space.com, 8 Jan. 2026

Clam Shell Clam shells target the hip abductors (muscles on the side of the hip) and external rotators (muscles that help the hip joint turn outward). —Jakob Roze, Health, 31 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1659, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing rotator

• rotator cuff

Rhymes for rotator

• coater
• creator
• curator
• debater
• deflator
• dictator
• dilator
• equator
• locator
• mutator
• piscator
• pronator

Medical Definition

rotator

noun

ro·​ta·​tor

ˈrō-ˌtāt-ər also rō-ˈ

plural rotators or rotatores ˌrōt-ə-ˈtōr-ēz 

: a muscle that partially rotates a part on its axis

specifically : any of several small muscles in the dorsal region of the spine arising from the upper and back part of a transverse process and inserted into the lamina of the vertebra above