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

One of its rotor blades broke off during touchdown and was flung away to one side (far left). —William Harwood, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2024

Subsequent photographic analysis suggests Ingenuity’s computer errors generated a high horizontal velocity that exceeded the design limits of its rotor blades. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 11 Dec. 2024

The sound of the vast rotors rippled through the air tossing up the lagoon’s waters in a misty haze. —Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024

To eliminate this, the rotors are designed to fold back into the nacelle. —David Szondy, New Atlas, 7 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

contraction of rotator

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing rotor

• tilt-rotor

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