rotation

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noun ro·ta·tion \ rō-ˈtā-shən \

Definition of rotation

1 a (1) :the action or process of rotating on or as if on an axis or center

(2) :the act or an instance of rotating something

b :one complete turn :the angular displacement required to return a rotating body or figure to its original orientation

2 a :return or succession in a series

rotation of the seasons

b :crop rotation

3 :the turning of a body part about its long axis as if on a pivot

4 :a game of pool in which all 15 object balls are shot in numerical order

5 :the series of pitchers on a baseball team who regularly start successive games in turn

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rotational

play \-shnəl, -shə-nᵊl\ adjective

See rotation defined for English-language learners

See rotation defined for kids

Examples of rotation in a Sentence

the rotation of the Earth around its axis
the rotation of the Moon around the Earth
The Earth makes one rotation every day.
Alfalfa and corn are planted in rotation.
the rotation of the job of club president
The car needs a tire rotation.

Recent Examples of rotation from the Web

Though some have continued offering basic services like oil changes or tire rotations, many had to shut down repairs completely.

— ally marotti, chicagotribune.com, "Dealership group accuses striking mechanics of labor law violation," 30 Aug. 2017
In eight starts since the Twins made this here-goes-nothing acquisition in July, Colon has logged 49 innings with a 4.04 ERA for a rotation that has had a whopping 16 participants so far this season covering the five spots.

— dave campbell, The Seattle Times, "Ageless Bartolo Colon leading Twins’ playoff push," 28 Aug. 2017
Flynn recently re-joined the starting rotation at Class AAA Omaha and elevated his pitch count to 94 on Aug. 13 while allowing two runs in 6 1/3 innings against Iowa.

— rustin dodd, kansascity, "After barn incident delayed season, Royals’ Brian Flynn wants to help out," 28 Aug. 2017
The back-up rotations will tighten in the second half so Lynn and the coaching staff can get closer looks at specific players on the cusp of making the roster.

— dan woike, sandiegouniontribune.com, "With camp over, Chargers edge closer to season," 23 Aug. 2017
The heavy rotation of videos extolling the virtues of life inside the caliphate in 2015 have moved to more warlike missives focused on terrorist attacks against the West, analysts say.

— joby warrick, Washington Post, "ISIS’s propaganda machine is thriving as the physical caliphate fades," 18 Aug. 2017
Consider adding to your weekday rotation a crisp, cotton poplin top in the same color.

— diana tsui, The Cut, "9 White Shirts That Are More Interesting Than a Button-down," 9 Aug. 2017
The left-hander was fully prepared to work out of the RailCats' four-man rotation.

— michael osipoff, Post-Tribune, "Former White Sox farmhand Jeff McKenzie returns in relief for RailCats," 8 Aug. 2017
The Idaho Statesman’s weekly faith column features a rotation of writers from many different faiths and perspectives.

— loren a. yadon, idahostatesman, "Prayer is powerful but should be used properly," 4 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rotation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of rotation

circa 1550

rotation Synonyms

Synonyms

gyration, pirouette, reel, revolution, roll, spin, twirl, wheel, whirl

Related Words

circuit, circulation, ring, round; coil, curl, curve, spiral, twist, whorl; circle, orbit; eddy, swirl

ROTATION Defined for English Language Learners

rotation

play

noun

Definition of rotation for English Language Learners

: the act or process of moving or turning around a central point
: a complete turn around a central point
: the act of regularly changing something by replacing it with something else

ROTATION Defined for Kids

rotation

play

noun ro·ta·tion \ rō-ˈtā-shən \

Definition of rotation for Students

1 :the act of turning about an axis

2 :the system of growing different crops in the same field usually in a regular order

Medical Dictionary

rotation

play

noun ro·ta·tion \ rō-ˈtā-shən \

medical Definition of rotation

:the action or process of rotating on or as if on an axis or center; specifically :the turning of a body part about its long axis as if on a pivot

rotation of the head to look over the shoulder

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rotational

play \-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl\ adjective

Learn More about rotation

See words that rhyme with rotation Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for rotation Spanish Central: Translation of rotation Nglish: Translation of rotation for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of rotation for Arabic speakers

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rotation

Definition of rotation

rotational

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Examples of rotation in a Sentence

Recent Examples of rotation from the Web

First Known Use of rotation

rotation Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

ROTATION Defined for English Language Learners

rotation

Definition of rotation for English Language Learners

ROTATION Defined for Kids

rotation

Definition of rotation for Students

Medical Dictionary

rotation

medical Definition of rotation

rotational

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