rotor

noun

ro·​tor ˈrō-tər 

1

a

: a part that revolves in a stationary part

a brake rotor

b

: the rotating member of an electrical machine

2

: an assembly of rotating blades that supplies lift or stability for a rotorcraft

Examples of rotor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Renaud Tixier’s movement is a highly innovative micro-rotor movement that features an inertia wheel within the micro-rotor and a ‘dancer’ spring, orchestrated to optimize winding by harvesting even the smallest motion. —Thor Svaboe, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025

For the watchmaker, that decade saw the development of the El Primero caliber, the first automatic high-frequency chronograph movement, one that came with a full-rotor design giving it 1/10th-of-a-second precision. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025

Four silicone base pads extrude glue which sets rapidly, so the drone remains stuck in place when the rotors are turned off. —David Hambling, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Picture an offshore wind skyscraper made of rotors. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

contraction of rotator

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing rotor

• tilt-rotor

Rhymes for rotor

• boater
• floater
• motor
• voter
• locomotor
• psychomotor
• servomotor
• vasomotor
• oculomotor
• sensorimotor
• premotor
• promoter

Kids Definition

rotor

noun

ro·​tor ˈrōt-ər 

1

: a part that rotates in a stationary part (as in an electrical machine)

2

: a complete system of rotating blades that support a helicopter in flight