ro|ta|ry

ro|ta|ry «ROH tuhr ee», adjective, noun, plural -ries.

–adj.

1. turning like a top or a wheel; rotating.

2. (of motion) circular: »

In the windmills that operate pumps the rotary motion must be changed into reciprocating (back-and-forth) motion (Beauchamp, Mayfield, and West).

3. having parts that rotate.

4. of or having to do with a rotary engine.

–n.

1. a rotary engine or machine.

2. = traffic circle. (Cf. ↑traffic circle)

3. Electricity. a synchronous converter.

╂[< Medieval Latin rotarius < Latin rota wheel]