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rotate

ro·tate

rotate

 
 
pronunciation:
ro teIt
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Language Note, Word Builder, Word Explorer, Word Parts
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: rotates, rotating, rotated
definition 1: to cause to revolve around an axis.
See a movie for this meaning
 
synonyms:
revolve, roll, spin, turn, wheel
similar words:
circle, pivot, reel, swivel, trundle, twirl, twist, whirl, wind
definition 2: to cause to be planted in cycles.
Farmers rotate their crops on a three-year schedule.
similar words:
alternate, interchange, shift
definition 3: to cause (persons) to be replaced according to cycles.
synonyms:
alternate, interchange, shift
similar words:
stagger, switch
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to turn on or around a fixed point.
synonyms:
gyrate, revolve, roll, turn, wheel
similar words:
circle, pivot, ring, spin, swivel, twirl, whirl
definition 2: to progress according to a cycle of succeeding events; alternate.
synonyms:
alternate, cycle, interchange, revolve
similar words:
proceed, progress, take turns
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derivation: rotatable (adj.)
Language Note
Rotate and revolve are often confused. Both of these words describe the motion of Earth and other planets, moons, and stars.
Rotate means to spin around an axis.
Earth rotates completely in about 24 hours. Each rotation is one day.
Revolve means to travel in a curved path around a central object.
Earth revolves around the sun in about 365.25 days. Each revolution is one year.
Word Builder: rotate +
  • rotating:
    spinning; turning on a fixed point.
Word Explorer
See
  outer space, space
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