First Known Use: circa 1731
Dictionary
1rotary
adjective ro·ta·ry \ˈrō-tə-rē\
: turning around a central point like a wheel
: having a part that turns around a central point like a wheel
Full Definition of ROTARY
1
a : turning on an axis like a wheel b : taking place about an axis <rotary motion>
2
: having an important part that turns on an axis <rotary cutter>
3
: characterized by rotation
4
: of, relating to, or being a press in which paper is printed by rotation in contact with a curved printing surface attached to a cylinder
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Origin of ROTARY
Medieval Latin rotarius, from Latin rota wheel
Rhymes with ROTARY
2rotary
noun
plural rotaries
Definition of ROTARY
1
: a rotary machine
2
: a road junction formed around a central circle about which traffic moves in one direction only —called also circle, traffic circle
See rotary defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of ROTARY
circa 1888
ROTARY[1] Defined for Kids
rotary
adjective ro·ta·ry \ˈrō-tə-rē\
Definition of ROTARY for Kids
1
: turning on an axis like a wheel <a rotary blade>
2
: having a rotating part
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