noun Uncommon

rotor

ROH-tuh

Rotor (noun) means the rotating part of a motor, generator, or similar machine. Example: “The rotor spins inside the motor's stationary casing.”

noun

The rotating part of a motor, generator, or similar machine.

"The rotor spins inside the motor's stationary casing."

The spinning blade assembly of a helicopter.

"The helicopter's rotor kicked up dust as it landed."

The metal disc a car's brake pads clamp onto in a disc brake.

"The mechanic replaced the worn brake rotors."

How to use rotor

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA spinning part of a machine — in everyday use, most often either a helicopter's blades or a car's brake disc.

Common pairings

rotor blades brake rotor main rotor

Word forms

rotors plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ spins inside the motor's stationary casing.

Etymology

A shortened form of "rotator," first used in mathematics before being adopted for spinning machine parts.

Synonyms

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rotor coil

Rhymes for rotor

motor

See all rhymes for rotor →

Frequently asked questions

What does “rotor” mean?

The word “rotor” means the rotating part of a motor, generator, or similar machine. In plain terms, a spinning part of a machine — in everyday use, most often either a helicopter's blades or a car's brake disc.

How do you pronounce “rotor”?

“Rotor” is pronounced ROH-tuh (/ˈɹoʊ.tɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “rotor” in a sentence?

Here is “rotor” used in a sentence: “The rotor spins inside the motor's stationary casing.”

What part of speech is “rotor”?

“Rotor” is a noun.

Is “rotor” a common word?

“Rotor” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “rotor” have?

“Rotor” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the rotating part of a motor, generator, or similar machine.