rotor

noun

ro·​tor ˈrō-tər How to pronounce rotor (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Stopping power is provided by hydraulic disc brakes at each wheel with 180-mm rotors, and there's a parking brake too. Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 26 Nov. 2024 Wind turbines have many rotating masses (rotor, gearbox and generator) to produce inertia but an inverter, located between rotor and grid, prevents the kinetic energy of the rotating mass from providing inertia during a period of frequency change. Llewellyn King, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 Shimano hydraulic brakes with 180mm rotors ensure crisp and effective stopping, and an integrated lighting system helps with visibility. Scott Kramer, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 Grid power or solar panels run a constantly spinning rotor inside a unit about the size of a dishwasher, converting the power into kinetic energy that can be reconverted back into electricity in the case of a power outage. Chris Stokel-Walker, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rotor 

Word History

Etymology

contraction of rotator

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of rotor was in 1892

Dictionary Entries Near rotor

Cite this Entry

“Rotor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rotor. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

rotor

noun
ro·​tor ˈrōt-ər How to pronounce rotor (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on rotor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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