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

The large components in the motor are shaped like slim discs, and the stator is positioned between the two rotors. —Chad Kirchner, ArsTechnica, 25 June 2025

The air rotor creates a powerful swirl of air, while the cylinder body design means that air flows more efficiently for quicker drying and sterilization. —Olivia Campbell, Parents, 24 June 2025

Bubba Wallace faced a huge setback in the NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway after a brake rotor failure on his car. —Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025

Studies and modeling from Caltech and other universities predict that the vortices of wind shed by the verticals will draw faster-moving wind from higher altitude into the rotors of the horizontals. —Llewellyn King, Forbes.com, 20 June 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