rotatory
Going in circles
Rotatory means relating to or producing rotation.
The word appears in technical contexts—anatomy, engineering, physics—where rotary would serve equally well: rotatory motion, rotatory movement of the hip joint.
Rotatory is the less common choice in modern usage.
Circular or spiral movement
- revolutionViolent governmental overthrow
- spinRapid rotation around axis
- whirlRotate very quickly
- twirlRotate rapidly, often playfully
pirouette · circumrotation · turning · revolving · swiveling · pivoting · oscillation · precession
Toothed wheel or belongings
- axleShaft for wheel rotation
- bearingPosture or orientation
- swivelRotating connection point
- crankshaftRotating engine shaft
flywheel · pulley · sprocket · cam · coupling · rotor · shaft · spindle
Pump's spinning blade assembly
- rotorSpinning mechanical assembly
- statorImmobile motor component
- bladesSharp flat cutting parts
- vaneWind direction indicator
propeller · windmill · generator · hydroelectric · turbofan · turbocharger · compressor · nacelle
Rotating circular frame
loop · spiral · whorl · annular · circumference · arc · gyroscope · revolve
Sensation of spinning
- giddinessLightheaded, excitable state
- spinningRevolving around an axis
- disorientingCausing loss of direction
- nauseaPre-vomiting stomach discomfort
lightheaded · unsteady · reeling · swooning · whirling · centrifuge
gyration
Circular or spiral movement
- revolutionViolent governmental overthrow
- spinRapid rotation around axis
- whirlRotate very quickly
twirl · pirouette · circumrotation · turning · revolving · swiveling · pivoting · oscillation · precession · angular
gear
Toothed wheel or belongings
crankshaft · flywheel · pulley · sprocket · cam · coupling · rotor · shaft · spindle · differential
impeller
Pump's spinning blade assembly
vane · propeller · windmill · generator · hydroelectric · turbofan · turbocharger · compressor · nacelle · spool
wheel
Rotating circular frame
orbit · loop · spiral · whorl · annular · circumference · arc · gyroscope · revolve · cyclical
dizzy
Sensation of spinning
- giddinessLightheaded, excitable state
- spinningRevolving around an axis
- disorientingCausing loss of direction
nausea · lightheaded · unsteady · reeling · swooning · whirling · centrifuge
rotatorylinear
Arranged in straight succession
rectilinear · straight-line · translational · oscillatory · back-and-forth
- rotator cuffShoulder's muscular support system
- rotator cuff injuryTorn shoulder stabilizing tendons
- rotator cuff tearShoulder tendon rupture
- torn rotator cuffDamaged shoulder stabilizing tendons
- rotator cuff repairSurgery mending shoulder tendons