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 second is that the front two rotors sit lower than the rear two. —New Atlas, 8 May 2025

In a subsequent photo, the main rotor blades with the attached transmission and roof structure could be seen broken apart from the fuselage. —Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2025

On Sunday, investigators continued to evaluate the flight control system found in the wreckage as Police Department divers searched for the aircraft’s tail rotor, main rotor, main gear box and most of its tail boom. —Chelsia Rose Marcius, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025

Divers on Saturday were still working to recover more pieces of the helicopter, including the main rotor, main gearbox, tail rotor and a large portion of the tail boom. —Riley Hoffman, ABC News, 12 Apr. 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