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

Ware explained how the brake problem got worse after an incident with the No. 7 car, eventually leading to his brake rotor exploding. —Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025

Massive calipers and exquisite 320-mm floating rotors are added from the Discacciati parts catalog, powered by a PR 19 master cylinder mounted on the bars. —New Atlas, 2 July 2025

The giant rotor also gives the back of the bike even more of a sci-fi vibe in conjunction with three large-gauge cables feeding power to the rear motor. —William Roberson, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

Standard carbon-ceramic brakes feature 16.5-inch rotors both front and rear, with fronts gripped by 10-piston calipers. —Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 19 June 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